WORKSHOP Friday, May 26, 3:15-4:45
Rough Terrain: Navigating CAM Information Resources
for Populations at Risk
Speakers: Leah Vanderjagt, MLIS, Robert Scholten, MLIS,
Paula Gardiner, MD, Mary Hardy, MD
Research studies begin with a search for relevant
literature. The quality and availability of research evidence varies
considerably between medical topics. Researchers who work extensively
in an area of inquiry develop familiarity with the "terrain"
of the literature: where good evidence is to be found, the general overall
quality of research on the topic, research trends, and research gaps.
This understanding of the landscape of the literature extends far beyond
a basic search of PubMed and EMBASE. For Complementary and Alternative
Medicine (CAM) literature, this terrain is rockier. The evidence base,
while growing, is still relatively complex—requiring persistence,
creativity, and advanced knowledge of search tools available for the
identification of relevant studies. When conducting research for populations
at risk for harm due to a lack of evidence on CAM treatments, how should
one best approach the search for relevant literature?
This workshop aims to guide participants through
the "information landscapes" for CAM literature searching through discussion
of three case scenarios: chiropractic care in older adults, acupuncture
for expectant mothers and its effect on neonates, and an herb-drug interaction
pertaining to a severe chronic condition. Attendees of this workshop
will obtain practical guidance on where CAM evidence can be found for
populations at risk, information on the diversity and relative strengths
of resources to use when approaching these research topics, and expert
advice on search strategies for information on CAM from both experienced
researchers and skilled literature searchers.
Attendees will be asked to participate by commenting
on their personal experience of finding CAM information related to the
three specific topics. They will also be encouraged to contribute comments
on other useful resources not covered by the presenters.