Validity Of Research Methods Research Articles

Psychotic-like Experiences and Underlying Mechanisms: An Integrative Model of ADHD Symptoms, Rumination, Negative Affect, and Trauma Experience

Background: Psychotic-like experiences (PLEs) are low-intensity subclinical phenomena, often transient in nature. The etiology of PLEs primarily involves neurodevelopmental changes, trauma exposure, and maladaptive coping styles. Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is considered to be one of the factors that increase the risk of future psychosis. Furthermore, ADHD symptoms predict a heightened incidence of traumatic experiences, ruminative thoughts, and negative affect (NA). This present study examines whether rumination and NA mediate the relationship between ADHD symptoms and PLEs and whether trauma experiences moderate these pathways. Methods: A total of 188 participants (72% female) aged 18–35 completed questionnaires assessing ADHD symptoms and traumatic experiences and took part in a seven-day experience sampling method (ESM) procedure, completing ratings of PLEs experiences, the intensity of ruminations, and NA. Results: Correlation analysis showed significant relationships between all tested variables. Serial mediation analysis revealed a significant indirect effect of rumination and NA in the link between ADHD symptoms and PLEs. There was no significant impact of trauma experience in this relationship. Conclusions: Our study underscores the important role of rumination and NA in the co-development of ADHD symptoms and PLEs. Future research should consider investigating the intra-individual dynamics of ADHD and trauma using ecologically valid research methods in the context of PLEs to better understand these complex relationships.

Level and Causes of Foreign Language Anxiety and Foreign Language Enjoyment in Indian ESL Students

Foreign language anxiety and foreign language enjoyment are two phenomena which have been studied for decades in relation to foreign language learning. This quantitative study measured the level of foreign language anxiety and foreign language enjoyment in Indian ESL students in order to shine a light on the extent to which Indian ESL students experience these phenomena. In doing so, educators, policy-makers, and curriculum developers can approach education with these phenomena in mind in order to tailor their work to student needs. Through the implementation of previously validated research methods, this study found that Indian ESL students have considerably lower levels of foreign language anxiety than average when compared with other Asian nations. It was also found that Indian ESL students have similar levels of foreign language enjoyment when compared to other Asian nations. Admiration for those who speak foreign languages as well as studying in a fun and open academic environment contributed the most to their level of foreign language enjoyment, while having their mistakes made the center of attention contributed the most to their level of foreign language anxiety.

Psychometric Properties of Family-Supportive Supervisor Behavior: Lithuanian Version

Valid and reliable research methods are needed to assess the family-suportive supervisor behavior in Lithuania. A cross-sectional study was conducted to test the psychometric properties of the Lithuanian version of Hammer et al. (2009) family-supportive supervisor behavior scale (internal consistency, discriminant, convergent and structural validity) in employess sample (N = 180). Results revealed that the Lithuanian version of the family-supportive supervisor behavior had high internal consistency. Adequate convergent validity was confirmed by finding statistically significant positive relationships with social support, and discriminant validity was confirmed by finding statistically significant negative relationships with work–family conflict. Finally, structural validity was confirmed by confirmatory factor analysis, which revealed that the four-factor structure of the questionnaire had the best fit. The results of the research show that the Lithuanian version of the scale of family-suportive supervisor behavior is a suitable measurement instrument, but further studies on the evaluation of the scale are still needed.

Student Perceptions about Online Collaborative Coursework

Objective: Collaborative coursework may improve student engagement but is often viewed as problematic by both students and faculty, particularly in the online classroom. The aim of this research is to present results of a retrospective, qualitative content analysis of student related perceptions about group work in the online classroom. Methods: Data analysis was completed with the use of qualitative content analysis (QCA), a valid research method for describing the meaning of qualitative data in a systematic way. QCA was used to inform the following research question: What perceptions do students have about working with a group in the online classroom? Data were collected through a retrospective analysis of student responses posted to discussion board forums. Responses of students (N = 192) enrolled in three different courses, over two semesters were analyzed by a team of two researchers. Results: Findings included student reflections about group work being a stressful, negative experience, with the asynchronous environment of the online classroom increasing student anxiety about group work. Students reported different academic goals and lack of participation among group members as common issues. In addition, students reported concern with group management or organization and the fairness of group work grading practices. Conclusions: These results inform a discussion of best practices, skills and technology faculty can use to transform online group work into a positive learning experience for all students. Online education needs to be meaningful and responsive to meet students’ needs. Research has shown group work can improve student engagement and facilitate accomplishment; however, the negotiation of group work processes can be stressful for students and faculty, particularly in the online classroom.

Using Experience Sampling Methodology to Capture Disclosure Opportunities for Autistic Adults.

Despite a recent surge in literature contributing to our understanding of autistic individuals' disclosure experiences, the findings remain mixed. Research based on autistic people's perspective often indicates negative outcomes, while research that focuses on nonautistic perspectives is more positive. In addition, no disclosure study has used ecologically valid research methods, which help to reduce the risk of memory biases and are more representative of real-world experiences. The aim of this research was to capture outcomes from real-world disclosure opportunities as reported by a diverse range of autistic adults. Thirty-six autistic adults reported their disclosure opportunities through experience sampling methodology (58% female, 28% male, and 14% nonbinary), multiple times per day or week for 2 months. Importantly, we embedded coproduction from conception to dissemination, ensuring that the outputs are relevant and beneficial for the autistic community. In total, participants recorded 231 disclosure opportunities (M = 6.42, SD = 4.83). Two-thirds of opportunities (n = 153) were categorized as disclosure, where the participants decided to share they were autistic, and 33.8% (n = 78) were labeled nondisclosure, where the participants decided not to share that they were autistic. Qualitative thematic analysis of open responses resulted in five themes that illustrated the thought processes during disclosure opportunities, the reactions of others, and reflections following disclosure for autistic adults in our study. These findings show that disclosure decisions and outcomes are complex and are influenced by both internal and external factors. Both support for autistic adults navigating this process and knowledge for nonautistic individuals on the experiences of their autistic friends, family, and community members will help to alleviate negative experiences and improve the mental well-being of autistic adults who face these decisions daily.

What data counts in policymaking and programming evaluation – Relevant data sources for triangulation according to main epistemologies and philosophies within social science

Policy analysis and program evaluation quality guides how impact is measured, revisions are made, and allocations of resources is deployed. As interdisciplinary research grows in contemporary policy science, the importance of defining truth can be contentious among different social scientists. This research traces the history of triangulation to its contemporary version within the social sciences. The study examines the philosophical evolution influencing the environment in which triangulation develops including: consilience and the comparative linguistic structure of the traditions of thought; and the historical development of methods and emergence of triangulation in research. It also offers contrasting interpretations of triangulation within the various epistemologies and philosophies of science that have arisen in recent movements within social science. As research strives to address novel 21st century issues including big data, pandemics, misinformation, and globalization, there is a need for rigorous social science and policy-based research to be aware of different interpretations of empirical data and valid research methods across disciplines, examine new and old phenomena using multi-method approaches, and validate data informing policy through methods of triangulation.

Psychometric Properties of Work–Family Enrichment Self-Efficacy Scale: Lithuanian Version

Valid and reliable research methods are needed to assess the work–family enrichment self-efficacy. Two cross-sectional studies were conducted to test the psychometric properties (internal consistency, convergent and/or structural validity) of the Lithuanian version of the work–family enrichment self-efficacy scale. Results revealed that the Lithuanian version of the work–family enrichment self-efficacy scale had high internal consistency. Adequate convergent validity was confirmed by statistically significant positive relationships between work–family enrichment and its dimensions, job satisfaction, and general self-efficacy. Finally, structural validity was confirmed by exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses, that revealed that one factor explained data well. The results of the research confirmed that the Lithuanian version of the work-family enrichment self-efficacy scale was suitable for further research.

한국고고학에 있어 방사성탄소연대 활용의 문제점과 대안 검토

As the use of radiocarbon dating is gradually increasing, this article is written to provide a review of best practices in the use of radiocarbon dates and their application in Korean archaeology. To promote better understanding of radiocarbon dating, first of all, before reviewing research cases, methods and principles, standard error, calibration curve, measured dates, and calibration dates are explained in detail, and the necessity of a statistical approach to measurement results and the use of calibration dates are emphasized. In addition, methods, procedures, and points to be noted for identifying abnormal dates are also discussed. Next, cases in which radiocarbon dating in Korean archaeology have been misused or misunderstood are examined. The problem of using uncalibrated dates, the problem of interpretation of radiocarbon dates which are inconsistent with historical records and typological chronology, and the use of radiocarbon dates in the plateau sections of calibration curves are examined. Finally, we review important research cases in prehistoric and historical period studies, in which radiocarbon dating is most widely used. The validity of research methods, applicable at the current level of radiocarbon dates in Korea, such as examining existing chronologies, Wiggle Matching and Bayesian modeling, and demographic approaches were examined. In addition, several alternatives were proposed for the reasonable application of radiocarbon dating and research extensibility.

Validity of Performance Assessment Methods in Elite Paracanoeists.

The problem of valid and reliable research methods in paralympic sports seems of great significance, thus the aim of this study was to evaluate the validity of the Wingate test (WAnT) in assessment of anaerobic performance in elite paracanoeists competing in 200 m races. Seven paralympic athletes (32.6 ± 7.76 years), medal winners and finalists of the Paralympic Games, World and European Championships, as well as World Cups were examined. The evaluations were conducted during a competition which was held at the paralympic distance of 200 m, and included the WAnT for upper limbs and the anaerobic threshold test (ATT). Correlations of selected indices of mechanical work and power in the WAnT, as well as anaerobic threshold (AT) power, with the time recorded during the competition were used to determine indices which affected paracanoeing performance. The results indicated strong negative correlations with time achieved in the competition between peak power and total work in the WAnT, and AT power (R = -0.796 p = 0.032; R = -0.882 p = 0.009; R = -0.900 p < 0.001, respectively). The research confirmed the validity of the WAnT for the upper limbs to assess the performance level of paracanoeists. It may be concluded that the WAnT and ATT may be used for monitoring performance during the paralympic 200 m race.

DIAGNOSTIC METHODS FOR DETERMINING THE READINESS OF FUTURE PSYCHOLOGISTS FOR PSYCHO-CORRECTIVE WORK TO OVERCOME ANXIETY IN ADOLESCENTS

The article presents diagnostic methods for determining the readiness of future psychologists for psychocorrective work to overcome anxiety in adolescents, the relevant criteria are identified, namely: cognitive, motivational, emotional-volitional and operational- active. For each criterion, indicators and the corresponding psychodiagnostic toolkit have been developed, the task of which is to identify the state of readiness of future specialists for psychocorrective work to overcome anxiety in adolescents. Relevant and valid research methods have been selected, which make it possible to determine the readiness of future psychologists to work on overcoming anxiety in adolescents in terms of motivational, emotional-volitional and operational-activity components. A version of the author's questionnaires is offered, in particular, to determine the readiness of future psychologists for psychocorrective work with adolescents to overcome their anxiety according to a cognitive criterion, a sample questionnaire "Knowledge about anxiety and ways to overcome it" is presented, the results of which make it possible to reveal the level of knowledge about anxiety, the causes of its occurrence , prerequisites for formation as a personal quality, peculiarities of diagnosis and psychocorrective work to overcome it. Questionnaires "Self-analysis of knowledge about psychocorrective work to overcome anxiety in adolescents", which can be used to reveal the formation of future psychologists' knowledge about psychocorrective work, "Self-analysis of motivation for psychocorrective work to overcome anxiety in teenagers" – to determine the level of motivation of future psychologists for psychocorrective work work on overcoming anxiety in teenagers, creative tasks – to diagnose the formation of the skills of future psychologists to plan and organize psychocorrective work on overcoming anxiety in teenagers.

Erfassung von Merkmalen kindlicher Bindung in familienrechtlichen Verfahren: Methodische Überlegungen

Child attachment characteristics are important for family court decisions. This article provides a description of relevant attachment characteristics and their assessment criteria (presence of attachment, differences in attachment quality, attachment disturbances). In addition, potential problems and pitfalls of attachment assessments in psychological court expert reports are addressed, including the topics of deficits in knowledge of basic attachment concepts and behavioural criteria, poor internal validity of easy accessible diagnostic attachment or relationship tools, and the limits of transferring valid and sound attachment research methods to the psychological assessments in expert court reports. We recommend an eclectic approach informed by attachment theory, of aggregating and integrate several attachment indicators, including characteristics of attachment figures and different levels of attachment assessment (behaviour and representation). Finally, discuss the use of attachment characteristics for giving a professional opinion on the impact of child rearing experiences, a child’s resilience in face of current adversities, and for predicting potential developmental trajectories. Implications for education and training of experts are mentioned.

Gamification in banking: a review, synthesis and setting research agenda

PurposeThe objective of this paper is to explore and extend the existing literature on the use of gamification in banking.Design/methodology/approachGamification is a new concept, further its application in banking is in a nascent stage both from the perspective of research and application. To systematise the limited literature and to draw the future research prospects, studies are presented based on theories, characteristics, context and methodologies framework.FindingsThe synthesis of the literature on gamification opened to a spectrum of areas to determine the future of gamification in the banking industry. The study emphasises the use of social and psychological theory building in the banking industry. Further, the research on game elements is an underexplored area in the banking domain, while they have well exploited in other contexts. Banking context needs more literature evidence, empirically tested and validated research methods to understand the personality traits and customer behaviour arising from the use of gamification.Practical implicationsFor bank management, this study lays the impact of gamification in this era of digital banking. With the right mix of hedonic and utilitarian elements, bank management shall be able to boost financial literacy, improve saving habits, simplify banking products and strengthen knowledge updates among bank employees. Understanding the key elements and present status of research on gamification and their impact on customer behaviour development is crucial for the bank in building strategic advantage.Originality/valueThis study on gamification applied explicitly to the banking sector. With no clear application of the elements and mechanics of technology used in gamification, this study presents past literature in a systematised manner and draws the future research agenda of gamification in banking services.

Rigour in the Management Case Study Method: A Study on Master's Dissertations

Many authors argue that the case study is a valid and advantageous research method for certain studies, having been used as a method of academic research in the field of social sciences as well as in management. This research method is an integrated system and offers the opportunity for a holistic view that combines data collection methods such as archival searches, interviews, questionnaires and observation. The data collection needed to build a case study is labour-intensive, can last months or even years, and data overload seems almost inevitable. The case study is an empirical inquiry that investigates a contemporary phenomenon within a real-life context. In this research method, qualitative data usually predominates, but quantitative data often appears in case studies. Some research studies consider the case study to be a research method for validating and constructing theory. Other research highlights that all social science studies must start with a theory based on a review of the literature relating to the subject under investigation and this theory must then be validated through the study of a specific object, phenomenon or social problem. The key point is that before a theory can be validated, it must be constructed. In other words, a theory or theoretical framework first emerges not through a deductive process but through the inductive approach of studying an empirical case or object, and finally all theories are initially based on a case or object. This type of research has traditionally been considered soft, due to the inexistence of criteria that allow to evaluate its validity as a method to study a phenomenon in its real context. The present work is part of this theme and intends to contribute to diminish the perception about the lack of rigour associated with the case study. The present research focuses on the analysis of the methodological rigour of defended master's dissertations. In this context an investigation was undertaken of master's dissertations in the management area of a higher education management institution that use the case study as the research method. In order to achieve our goals, four hundred and forty-two master's dissertations defended in management scientific master's degrees in a Portuguese higher education institution which specializes in the area of economic and business sciences were analysed. The results of the qualitative research indicate that 40.0% of the dissertations focus on case studies. The results obtained lead us to conclude that in general the dissertations analysed present a high level of methodological rigour with respect to the object of study and a moderate level with respect to data analysis and results. The most critical aspects are the way data are collected, namely the use of multiple sources of evidence in less than half of the cases, which makes triangulation of data impossible.&#x0D; &#x0D;

Origins, evolution and themes of scholarly hospitality sources: 1960–2019

This paper provides an overview and insight into the intellectual foundations and evolution of hospitality scholarship. The authors found that hospitality research has exhibited certain defining and evolving characteristics when an extended period – six decades – is considered. Quantitative methods have predominated with ongoing efforts to reach agreement about the most valid and applicable research methods. Four of the six identified research domains are marketing related, each with its defining characteristics. Some domains are heavily reliant on sources from work originally published in “mainstream” literature such as marketing, though the fast-developing field of online reviews draws sources overwhelmingly from the hospitality and tourism journals. The paper contributes to theory by synthesizing key theoretical concerns over six decades. It also evidences the shift of hospitality scholarship from its pragmatic and operational origins to a stronger theory base offering practitioners an important reference point when confronting unprecedented industry upheavals.

LesionQuant for Assessment of MRI in Multiple Sclerosis-A Promising Supplement to the Visual Scan Inspection.

Background and Goals: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a central nervous system inflammatory disease where magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is an important tool for diagnosis and disease monitoring. Quantitative measurements of lesion volume, lesion count, distribution of lesions, and brain atrophy have a potentially significant value for evaluating disease progression. We hypothesize that utilizing software designed for evaluating MRI data in MS will provide more accurate and detailed analyses compared to the visual neuro-radiological evaluation.Methods: A group of 56 MS patients (mean age 35 years, 70% females and 96% relapsing-remitting MS) was examined with brain MRI one and 5 years after diagnosis. The T1 and FLAIR brain MRI sequences for all patients were analyzed using the LesionQuant (LQ) software. These data were compared with data from structured visual evaluations of the MRI scans performed by neuro-radiologists, including assessments of atrophy, and lesion count. The data from LQ were also compared with data from other validated research methods for brain segmentation, including assessments of whole brain volume and lesion volume. Correlations with clinical tests like the timed 25-foot walk test (T25FT) were performed to explore additional value of LQ analyses.Results: Lesion count assessments by LQ and by the neuro-radiologist were significantly correlated one year (cor = 0.92, p = 2.2 × 10−16) and 5 years (cor = 0.84, p = 2.7 × 10−16) after diagnosis. Analyzes of the intra- and interrater variability also correlated significantly (cor = 0.96, p < 0.001, cor = 0.97, p < 0.001). Significant positive correlation was found between lesion volume measured by LQ and by the software Cascade (cor = 0.7, p < 0.001. LQ detected a reduction in whole brain percentile >10 in 10 patients across the time-points, whereas the neuro-radiologist assessment identified six of these. The neuro-radiologist additionally identified five patients with increased atrophy in the follow-up period, all of them displayed decreasing low whole brain percentiles (median 11, range 8–28) in the LQ analysis. Significant positive correlation was identified between lesion volume measured by LQ and test performance on the T25FT both at 1 and 5 years after diagnosis.Conclusion: For the number of MS lesions at both time-points, we demonstrated strong correlations between the assessments done by LQ and the neuro-radiologist. Lesion volume evaluated with LQ correlated with T25FT performance. LQ-analyses classified more patients to have brain atrophy than the visual neuro-radiological evaluation. In conclusion, LQ seems like a promising supplement to the evaluation performed by neuro-radiologists, providing an automated tool for evaluating lesions in MS patients and also detecting early signs of atrophy in both a longitudinal and cross-sectional setting.

The science of leadership: A journey from survey research to field experimentation

This is a personal account of the stages through which my thinking and my research career unfolded, beginning with student socialization into questionnaire-based survey research, through originating implicit leadership theory, to initiating “respite research” to study the effects of stress on strain without causal ambiguity, and finally to my adoption of field experimentation as the most internally and externally valid research method. It was a journey of breaking free of popular survey research methods and embracing causally unambiguous experimentation. It struck home for many, inasmuch as almost all the articles that my students and colleagues and I submitted reporting randomized field experiments were accepted for publication in top-tier journals. I describe my transition from survey research to field experimentation as it unfolded, provide successive examples of field experiments, and press home the major lesson: field experiments are doable, replicatable, and causally unambiguous. Moreover, they provide actionable cause-and-effect results that can propel our science forward and put useful tools into the hands of practitioners.

Theoretical and Methodological Approaches to Collective Memory Analysis in Memory Studies

Introduction. Collective memory research helps to uncover the deeply imbedded meaning of the past in the present, to follow the identity development process in various communities, to find narrative structures that define societal foundations. Simultaneously, such research can be complicated from the empirical point of view. The scientific novelty of the given article lies in the fact that theoretical and methodological approaches to collective memory research have not yet been summarized and systematized up to this date. The goal of this research is to provide such a review and determine the most valid research methods in Memory Studies. The relevance of the presented research is determined by the fact that the proposition of a methodological apparatus for Memory Studies is necessary for the finalization of its formation as an independent discipline.Methodology and sources. Collective memory theory served as the theoretical-methodological foundation of the conducted research, it allowed to view the past not as a set given but as an object undergoing interpretation and representation. Such academics as M. Halbwachs, M. Bloch, A. Warburg, Jan and Aleida Assmann, J. Olick, A. Erll and others developed the following theory. A range of scientists dedicated their work to the discovery of collective memory research methods, among them M. Bulanova, W. Kansteiner, A. Erll, B. Zelizer, A. Confino, T. Kapitonova, V. Belokrylova, etc. J. Olick made a considerable impact into the understanding of the given issue, having suggested to view memory as a process developing in time, which required to define the methods of analysis that would be able to take this characteristic into account. However, a complete list as well as a general system and classification of methods have not been developed in the academic literature up to the present day. Having appeared at an intersection of various humanities and social sciences, Memory Studies adopts empirical research methods from Sociology, Political science, Culture Studies, Psychology, Media Studies, Visual Studies, etc. In course of the presented research, the relevant empirical research works in the Memory Studies field by international and Russian authors have been analyzed, we considered the research carried out by Ch. Lindt, A. Vasil'ev, T. Emel'yanova, A. Timofeeva, V. Kasamara, E. Hakokongas, E. Keightley, M. Meyers, B. Zelizer, and others. That allowed us to determine the most frequently applied collective memory research methods, to compile their overview and develop the author classification of the used methods.Results and discussion. An overview of key theoretical approaches to collective memory research was provided. They include functional, phenomenological, post-structural, social-historical and information approaches. J. Olick enriched the list of five theoretical approaches suggested by M. Bulanova by introducing the process-relativist approach to studying collective memory. The main research methods applied in Memory Studies were outlined; moreover, a classification of key disciplinary traditions that academics turn to in memory research was introduced featuring sociological, psychological, information, cultural and historical traditions as well as a separate branch of Computer Sciences.Conclusion. As a result of the conducted research, a systematic overview and an author's classification of theoretical-methodological approaches to collective memory analysis were introduced. The findings of the given research can be implemented by a range of academics working on the issues of group identity building, ways of working with contested past, historical events representation in the present, the functioning of memory communities, etc. The defining of the methodological apparatus of Memory studies serves as a moving force for the effective development, generalization and bringing to a common understanding the further research of collective memory structures formation and distribution as well as concepts related to it.

Documenting diagnosis in child and adolescent mental healthcare: A content analysis of diagnostic statements in a psychiatric case register

Understanding clinical practice in relation to psychiatric diagnosis is important for identifying avenues for service improvement, developing clinically valid research methods and informing debate about prevailing diagnostic systems. Minimal research has explored psychiatric diagnostic practice by studying the diagnostic information present in clinical records. This study identifies, quantifies and descriptively analyses the range of contexts in which diagnostic terms appear in free-text child and adolescent clinical notes. Text segments containing a diagnostic term (N = 2993) were extracted from children’s electronic health records and subjected to content analysis. Segments were coded as indicating: definite diagnostic confirmations (49.4%), qualified diagnostic confirmations (6.4%), diagnostic queries/assessment (16.9%), definite diagnostic exclusions (3.1%), qualified diagnostic exclusions (2.2%), diagnostic status of another person (13.5%), or clinically irrelevant text (8.6%). Qualitative content analysis explored the linguistic patterns characterising these contexts of use. Results are considered in terms of their implications for service delivery, sociological analyses of psychiatric diagnosis, and the opportunities and challenges posed by applications of natural language processing techniques to electronic health records.

Five Years of Practical Experience Using the Revised Proving Guidelines of the Homœopathic Pharmacopœia Convention of the United States.

The Homœopathic Pharmacopœia of the United States (HPUS) is one of the three officially recognized compendia of medical drugs in the United States. A well-conducted homeopathic proving is one pathway to entry into the HPUS. In 2013, guidelines for homeopathic drug provings were updated to better assess the methodology of provings and improve the confidence in the outcomes generated. In addition, the team who developed the revised guidelines included a pragmatic approach to assess the quality of proving outcomes in terms of their usefulness in determining the therapeutic profile. The monograph review team, composed of homeopathic clinicians and researchers, has evaluated 25 new homeopathic medicines for monograph purposes. The team has noted that the guidelines have helped frame and standardize the monograph review process. The revised structure for monograph reporting has enhanced the reviewer's ability to ascertain the therapeutic profile for a new substance. Sponsors have stated that the new guidelines have helped increase their conformance with Good Clinical Practices, helped improve the reporting and transparency of their provings, and may help safeguard provings as a valid research method. Similar harmonized guidelines have been adopted by the European Committee for Homeopathy and the Liga Medicorum Homœopathica Internationalis.

First Steps in the Development of an Expertise-Based Anthroposophic Complex Intervention for Oncological Treatment in Primary Care: A Qualitative Study

Introduction:The aim of this study was to develop a prototype of an anthroposophic complex intervention (CI) for oncological patients in primary care.Methods:Standardized methods for the development of CIs were used. Qualitative data were collected among professionals (n = 44) working in 3 Dutch anthroposophic primary care centers. The following topics were discussed in interviews and panel discussions (n = 12): treatment phases, treatment dimensions, treatment goals, and content of the indicated treatments and therapies. In a multidisciplinary focus group (n = 23) completeness and comprehensibility of the CI, and integration in daily practice were addressed. Subsequently, the developed CI was tested on face validity (n = 21) and compared with conventional guidelines.Results:Professionals reached consensus about 4 oncological treatment phases, 4 anthroposophic treatment dimensions, and twelve general treatment goals. The following anthroposophic therapies were found to be suited for oncological patients in primary care: medication (eg, mistletoe preparations); nursing (eg, external embrocation); physiotherapy (eg, rhythmic massage); eurythmy therapy; dietetics; art therapy; and counseling. The content of each therapy must be tailored to the individual. Comparison with existing guidelines demonstrated added value and the ability to fit with conventional care.Discussion:Strengths of the developed CI prototype are its focus on primary care, its practical applicability, the use of validated research methods, and the check on face validity in 2 other Dutch anthroposophic primary care centers. Limitations are that no systematic literature review was done and patient experiences were not collected.Conclusions:An applicable prototype of an anthroposophic CI for oncological patients in primary care was developed. To complete the development of this CI, a systematic review of the literature is needed, feasibility should be tested, patient experiences need to be collected, and implementation should be initiated and monitored. Finally, development of a patient decision aid (PtDA) and a decision-making tool (DMT) are recommended.