Developing a tool to measure holistic practice: a missing dimension in outcomes measurement within complementary therapies

Despite the wide and continuing debate over the relevance of particular res earch methods to evaluate complementary therapies, less attention has been given to what outcome criteria and measures to use and/or whether these hav e a sufficient breadth in perspective. While complementary and alternative medicine researchers have paid heed to the importance of measuring the subj ective experience of therapy users, they have left unmeasured the notion of holism, in particular, the measurement of the effect of the interaction be tween therapist and therapy user, and its underlying philosophy of health a nd healing. This paper reports on an exploratory, qualitative study aimed a t developing a measure of holism and holistic practice. It draws out some k ey features requiring measurement and provides insight into the emerging me asure. Further development work is needed before the measure can be used wi thin research or routine practice. (C) 2000 Harcourt Publishers Ltd.