Investigating Research Method in Persian Medicine: Insights from a Qualitative Study

Mojtaba  Norouzi; Ali Akbar  Haghdoost; Saba  Barkhori

doi:10.18502/tim.v10i3.19761

Mojtaba Norouzi Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Faculty of Public Health, Kerman University of Medical Science, Kerman, Iran
Ali Akbar Haghdoost HIV/STI Surveillance Research Center, and WHO Collaborating Center for HIV Surveillance, Institute for Futures Studies in Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
Saba Barkhori School of Persian Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/tim.v10i3.19761

Keywords: Traditional Persian medicine; Evidence-based medicine; Complementary therapies; Integrative medicine; Research design

Abstract

Research is one of the most important cornerstones of success and always held a specific place in Persian medicine (PM). This study aims to investigate the basics of PM research method. In a qualitative study conducted between July and September 2024, we interviewed 19 experts in PM nationwide. During semi-structured interviews, they shared their perspectives on evidence-based medicine (EBM), research protocol standards, ethical codes, and using observational studies in PM. All participants agreed unanimously on four features of the research methodology: the potential for PM to evolve into EBM, the application of observational studies, adherence to strict product standards, and the similarity of research ethics in PM and contemporary medicine (CM). Over 89% agreed on the efficacy of blinding, the usefulness of current outcome assessment instruments, and the significance of assessing the patient-therapist relationship in clinical trial studies. Respondents (84%) believed the present randomization method was ineffective. Furthermore, 64% acknowledged the animal model's limitations. PM experts believed that the fundamental principles of medical practice should be implemented based on EBM. It is also vital to highlight that the philosophy of PM and CM differ, and this issue should serve as the foundation for creating PM's research methodology. Furthermore, the research methodology criteria for PM should be derived from the principles used in conventional medical sciences.