Quote:
Originally Posted by edouard
This one of the problems with using DBCTs for homeopathic remedies. The protocols are designed for allopathic remedies and are ill suited for the differing effects of homeopathic remedies. That is why the skeptics are always pointing to poorly designed DBCTs that show homeopathy no better than placebo.
|
It is possible to do a DBRCT of homoeopathy.
It is also quite simple:
Let the homoeopathic patient do whatever he usually does when he attends his homoeopathic practitioner.
Let the homoeopathic practitioner do whatever he usually does when he attends to his homoeopathic patient.
The only thing that will be different is in the dispensing of the remedy:
- The homoeopathic pharmacist must make up both the remedy prescribed by the homoeopath
and an appropriate placebo.
- A Selector, must randomly select between the remedy and placebo and pack it in a sealed container ready for dispensing.
- The Selector must have no contact at any time with the homoeopathic pharmacist, practitioner, or patient.
- The homoeopathic pharmacist then dispenses whatever has been randomly selected and pre-packaged.
In such a trial, there is no interference at all between the homoeopathic patient and the homoeopathic practitioner.
Ideally, neither the homoeopathic pratitioner, not the homoeopathic patient would know that they are even part of a trial. In other words, only the homoeopathic pharmacist and the Selector would be recruited into the trial. However this would be inappropriate for ethical reasons
Quote:
Originally Posted by edouard
Occasionally the circumstances are such that homeopathy comes through anyway. It is really a credit to homeopathy when it does well in a trial with the deck stacked against it.
|
There is no credit, though, if the trial is not a DBRCT