Critical evaluation of papers reviewing controlled clinical trials in homoeopathy

Author(s): MELCHART, D., BRANDMAIER, R., EITEL, F.

Abstract: An analysis was made of papers reviewing controlled clinical trials designed to assess efficacy of homoeopathic treatment strategies, the aim being to demonstrate selective and critical assessment of such papers. The papers were systematically collected and evaluated for content and quality using predefined criteria, finally comparing the results. 9 of 41 papers considered in detail after screening the literature met the criteria for inclusion in the analysis. Each considered between 22 and 107 trials. 7 papers met 2 or less of the predefined quality criteria, one met 6 and one 8 criteria. Only 1 of the papers allowed full representation and reproducible evaluation of treatment strategies for the controlled clinical studies considered in that paper. The analysis has shown that review papers must clearly specify issues, objectives, methods of literature screening and quality assessment.

Keyword(s): Review

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