Unit 2
Evaluating the Effectiveness of Alternative Therapies

When evaluating information as to the effectiveness of medical therapies, it is important to determine the validity of the evidence. Evidence from randomized double-blind clinical trials, for example, is more likely to be accurate than other types of evidence. This unit will focus on how to make an objective appraisal of the effectiveness of alternative therapies.

Objectives

When you have completed this unit, you should be able to

1. discuss observation as a methodology for providing evidence as to the effectiveness of a medical treatment.
2. define “placebo effect,” and discuss its role in alternative therapies.
3. describe research methodology used to examine the effectiveness of alternative therapies.
4. identify information sources on alternative therapies.
5. discuss the role of the media and the Internet in the promotion of alternative therapies.