Effectiveness, Efficacy and Safety Research including n of 1 trials, observational studies, qualitative research, adverse effects monitoring, and randomized controlled trials to study the safety, efficacy and effectiveness of CAM systems, products and therapies. A special emphasis will be placed on the exploration of relevant and rigorous, new and existing methodological approaches in addressing issues of safety and effectiveness. A particularly relevant example is the evaluation of CAM whole systems in which multiple approaches are combined to ensure that all relevant aspects of such systems are assessed. This research area also involves identifying and incorporating appropriate outcome measures.

CAM Health Care Delivery and Policy Research including contributions to optimal CAM health care delivery and policy by investigating areas such as models of CAM (or integrative) practice; access to CAM; cost-effectiveness of CAM and the relationship of CAM and public health. The position of CAM within the Canadian health care system and CAM policy decisions (e.g., regulation of Natural Health Products and CAM providers, insurance/government policies on reimbursement, intellectual property rights) are also included, as are studies of the evolution and professionalization of CAM practitioner groups.