Research
Facts and figures about Homeopathy
Recent Society Research
National Service Evaluation (NSE) this SoH funded pilot project, collected data on 1,419 patient consultations with SoH homeopaths.
The aims of the project were:
- To give us basic data on the types of conditions and symptoms for which patients are currently seeking homeopathic treatment.
- To give us information about the amount of help that patients receive from homeopathic treatment
A report of the evaluation is available here to download: NSE Report
The Department of Health is currently funding several training fellowships in the area of homeopathy research:
- Clare Relton at University of Sheffield is doing research on homeopathy and the menopause. She has completed an audit of clinical outcomes (using MYMOP), a systematic review of homeopathic treatment of menopause, and is designing a pilot study of homeopathic treatment for menopausal symptoms. E-mail c.relton@sheffield.ac.uk
- Dr Elaine Weatherley Jones at University of Sheffield is researching ‘the meaning of the homeopathic consultation’, as well as doing more work preparatory to a second larger study of homeopathic treatment for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. For further information and a list of her publications, please contact Elaine E-mail e.weatherley-jones@sheffield.ac.uk
- Dr Michael Emmans Deans at York University is working on establishing a database of homeopathic research, running a Delphi project to develop agreed standards of homeopathic trial reporting and he is also designing a study of homeopathic treatment for ADHD.
- Dr Sarah O’Brien is running a feasibility study of homeopathic treatment for Rheumatoid Arthritis. One of the questions this five arm randomised controlled trial is asking is how much of the effect of the homeopathic is derived from the consultation. She is working with Caroline Eyles.
- Caroline Eyles started her PhD at The University of Southampton as a research fellow in November 2004. This research is an exploratory study looking at homeopathic practitioners' perceptions and experiences of the homeopathic consultation and will identify within the context of the homeopathic consultation those factors that practitioners perceive to be important in promoting therapeutically effective consultations. For further information please contact Caroline at C.G.Eyles@soton.ac.uk or visit her website at www.som.soton.ac.uk/staff/cge/
The following members of the Society of Homeopaths are also currently researching various aspects of homeopathy and homeopathic practice:
- Lesley Foulkes at the University of Central Lancashire, the first phase of Lesley’s research is concerned with establishing a conceptual model of change during homeopathic treatment and from this identifying a range of outcome domains. The second phase of this project will use these outcome domains as a base for the development of evaluation specific and sensitive to homeopathic treatment. For further information please contact Lesley at lesleyfoulkes@aol.com
- Fiona Madon completed her MSc in Complementary Therapy Studies at the University of Westminster in July 2005. Her research focuses on the experience of 18 non-medically qualified homeopaths in setting up and sustaining a practice and places this within the context of business development. The findings suggest that both internal and external factors impact on practice growth throughout the business life cycle. She may be contacted at: fiona@madon.com
- Julie Smith Co-Course Leader in Homeopathy, University of Westminster ‘A critical reflexive inquiry – a transformational process as a practitioner researcher.’ This doctoral study draws on Julie’s own experiences as a professional homeopath to generate and articulate practice-based knowledge. This is an exploration of practice as complex, contradictory and uncertain. This model of critical reflexive inquiry has the potential to be adapted by other practitioners wishing to take a transformational view of their practice. For further information, please contact: J.Smith08@westminster.ac.uk
The Society's Research Committee Plans for 2008
- To hold a one day research conference on 11th April, bringing together researchers in homeopathy and other CAM disciplines to share knowledge, experience and practical examples of research
- To hold a research workshop for Society members (students, practitioners and researchers) at the School of Integrated Health at the University of Westminster in London autumn 2008.
- To support research in homeopathy through continued dissemination of developments in this field, and collaboration with other bodies to look at ways of encouraging future work
- To continue publishing research based articles in relevant publications.
- To update the research section of The Society’s website including both the public and members only areas.
Members of The Society of Homeopaths are currently involved in many research projects including the following:
* Fibromyalgia
* Mental Health
* Rheumatoid Arthritis
* The therapeutic effects of the consultation
* Entanglement in the therapeutic process
* Provings of new remedies
* Thriving practice
