Setting an agenda for strengthening the evidence-base for traditional and complementary medicines: Perspectives from an expert forum in Australia

Abstract

Objectives: To explore the challenges regarding evidence and complementary medicine in Australia and identify potential future directions to develop leadership, action and debate. Design: Facilitated discussion among a roundtable of experts to identify and consider the relevant issues and potential actions. Methods: Purposive sampling of 17 expert stakeholders with a variety of experience in the traditional and complementary medicine (T&CM) arena. Thematic analysis of the half-day discussion transcript resulted in a framework for a broad agenda to support the development of appropriate evidence for T&CM. Results: Five key areas (with sub-themes) were identified, forming the backbone of an ag..