Informing NICE Guidance: Introducing NICE real-world evidence framework

RCCM trustee Lianne Aquilina outlines the importance of the new NICE Real-World Data Framework for complementary and integrative medicine. All research has core principles, from ensuring the correct design to answer a pertinent question, and utilising appropriate methodology along the way to minimise or eradicate risk of bias. A randomised controlled trial or systematic review … Read more

Ethics for the independent researcher

For our latest blog post we are privledged to have Karen Charlesworth from the Northern College of Acupuncture discussing the issue of ethical approval in CAM.  At RCCM we often receive queries asking whether we can provide ethics approval -sadly this is beyond our capabilities, but hopefully here Karen can shed light on some of … Read more

Fascia Focused Manual Therapy Interventions-Proposed Treatment for Post-COVID Syndrome

RCCM member John Sharkey provides a comment concerning the paper entitled “Fascia Focused Manual Therapy Interventions-Proposed Treatment for Post-COVID Syndrome”. Clinical anatomists are trained in the management of human tissues as they are involved in cadaveric tissue donation. The role of the anatomist involves screening donations for communicable or transmissible infection both bacterial and/or viral. Taking … Read more

Request for collaborators on Biofield research

In this month’s blog, pharmacist and RCCM member Seema Bhattessa discusses her research interest in the electromagnetic and energetic field around the human body. My background is Pharmacy, Energy Medicine and Holistic Health. My research interest is on how prescribed medication influences the human Biofield (Meridian, Chakra and Auric fields) where a collaborative effort would be … Read more

Farewell to Hugh MacPherson, “Surfer of many kinds of wave”

It is with a heavy heart that we announce the untimely passing of Professor Hugh MacPherson. Hugh will be well known to many RCCM members. Hugh co-founded the Northern College of Acupuncture, and became the UK’s first Professor of Acupuncture at the University of York. He was a frequent attender of the RCCM’s CAMSTRAND conference … Read more

Why strategy and why now? A review on my participation in the RCCM seminar held on 21st October 2021

When I received the invitation to participate in RCCM seminar on strategy from our Chair I remember accepting immediately. The event was scheduled a few months ahead, and it felt like I’ve been waiting for an opportunity like this for years! When we hear words like ‘strategy’ or ‘research’ usually people think of businesses, business … Read more

Conference Report: Integrative Oncology UK inaugural conference. Whole person care for better patient outcomes. 15th May 2021

The British Society for Integrative Oncology (BSIO) worked with professional conference organisers Progressive Communications to initiate the first Integrative Oncology UK conference. The virtual event took place on Saturday 15th May 2021, with more than 380 delegates attending, across a range of disciplines from an impressive 27 countries. The conference was aimed at healthcare professionals … Read more

Complexities of acupuncture for heel pain

RCCM member  Richard Clark talks about his interest in acupuncture and heel pain: “When I first set out to look up the evidence base for using acupuncture for plantar heel pain (PHP) I thought it would be simple and quick.  Little did I know! One SR[1] and one CIS[2] later, I realised the extent, complexity and contradictory nature of … Read more