Current Understandings of the Research–Practice Gap From the Viewpoint of Complementary Medicine Academics: A Mixed-Method Investigation

Abstract

Context Research plays an important role in advancing health and healthcare. However, much research evidence is not reflected in contemporary complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) practice. Understanding and addressing the reasons for this research–practice gap may have positive implications for quality of care. Objective To shed light on the gap between research and CAM practice. Design Descriptive cross-sectional, mixed-method study. Sample and Setting A total of 126 senior CAM academics across Australasia, Europe, UK, and North America. Outcome Measures Participants completed a 30-item online survey and a semi-structured interview; both of which explored the research–practice gap in CAM. Results A total of 43 (34%) academics completed the survey, with 29 (67%) respondents undergoing an interview. There was general agreement among respondents that CAM research should be informed by practice, and practice informed by research; however, most agreed that this did not reflect the current situation. Translational issues were perceived to be the primary reason for the research–practice gap in CAM. Suggested strategies for closing the gap focussed mostly around improving CAM student/practitioner education and training, and researcher–practitioner engagement and collaboration. Conclusions Study findings point toward the presence of a research–practice gap in CAM, with several factors likely to be instrumental in sustaining this gap. Attention now needs to focus on understanding the views of CAM clinicians on this issue. Insights gained from this research will help inform the development of a multi-modal strategy that will effectively target the barriers to change in order to bring CAM research and practice closer together.