TCIM Integration Study
Traditional and complementary medicine (T&CM) workforce integration: a comparative study with global insights
What is the study about?
We’re gathering insights from around the world about integration of traditional and complementary medicine (T&CM) providers within national health systems. Complete the 5-10 minute survey to illustrate real-world aspects of T&CM integration as experienced by providers of health care, policymakers, funders and members of the public.
T&CM includes practices like acupuncture, herbal medicine, homeopathy, naturopathy, Chinese medicine, Ayurveda, yoga, chiropractic, contemplative/spiritual approaches, and many others that are not typically part of mainstream healthcare.
The project also includes a comparative study between Portugal and Australia, and insights from international policy advisors.
Why is the research needed?
There is growing demand for policy guidance around T&CM workforce. We aim to gather real-world experiences to complement existing country survey data, helping guide future policies and practice.
The insights gained may highlight lessons that could assist policy developers to better understand the impacts of T&CM integration pathways (including non-integration options).
The research is framed by the goal of enhancing population wellbeing, health promotion, and disease prevention toward population health and economic benefits through strengthened health policies.
How information is being collected
5 to 10 minute global survey. Direct link: https://redcap.link/TCM-global
Who can participate?
All participants must be 18 years or older and able to communicate in English.
Participants can be:
- Health care providers, e.g. medical, nursing, allied health, and any traditional, complementary or spiritual carers providers
- Health funders, policymakers, academics or other observers with some professional experience related to T&CM (e.g., regulation, education, research, policy, funding).
- Interested members of the public
Language
The survey is in English, but our researchers can answer your email queries in English, French, German, Portuguese or Spanish.
Documents
- Information flyer – we encourage you to share this with colleagues around the world
- Information about the global survey (download PDF)
The study has ethics approval from The University of Melbourne Human Research Ethics Committee ID#33208
Findings
Follow the link for a summary of findings and links to publications when available.
Investigators
- Lead: Dr Rachel Canaway, Department of General Practice & Primary Care, The University of Melbourne, Australia
- Dr Amaral Pascoal, Jean Piaget Polytechnic Institute of the South and the Polytechnic Institute of Lisbon, Portugal
- Dr Daniela Ramirez-Duran, Department of General Practice & Primary Care, The University of Melbourne
- Dr Jo-anne Hughson, Department of Medicine, The University of Melbourne
- Dr Nupur Nag, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, The University of Melbourne
- Dr Katja Boysen, Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia
- Dr Jennifer Carè, The University of Melbourne & University of Technology Sydney
- Dylan McCarthy, Department of General Practice & Primary Care, The University of Melbourne