Determining the Quantity and Focus of Homeopathy Research Activity in Australia: A Systematic Literature Review

Background: The “Australian Research Priorities in Homeopathy 2018–2024” report identified the need for a literature review of the Australian publications of homeopathy research, as a review of this type did not exist. By summarizing the amount, type and nature of previous research, strong foundations for future scientific research in homeopathy can be built. Identifying existing research areas as building blocks is part of that process. Therefore, a comprehensive systematic scoping review to determine the quantity, categorisation and focus of peer-reviewed research articles on homeopathy in Australia was conducted.

Methods: Online database search (OVID Medline, Embase, PsycINFO, PsycArticles, CINAHL, Web of Science, PubMed and Cochrane Library) between 1990 until December 2022 was performed. The following search terms in the title, abstract or keywords were included: (1) homeop* or homoeop* or homœop* AND (2) Austral* OR Australian Capital Territory OR New South Wales OR Northern Territory or Queensland or South Australia or Tasmania or Victoria or Western Australia. Furthermore, eligible articles from Similia were screened between 2005 until December 2022. Publications were eligible if they described research studies conducted in Australia, or papers about homeopathy written in Australia in the following categories: Case studies, Discussion, History, Homeoprophylaxis, in vitro/laboratory, Materia Medica, Philosophy, Provings, and Studies with participants. Papers were excluded if they were: not about homeopathy; not peer-reviewed; not written or conducted in Australia; or if they were editorials, book reviews or conference reviews. Two reviewers independently undertook screening, data extraction and quality assessment with disagreements resolved through discussion with the third reviewer.

Discussion: Our systematic literature review will lead to deeper understanding of research conducted about homeopathy in Australia. The building blocks approach can be applied for capacity building and upskilling of homeopathy practitioner researchers in Australia to engage in high-quality research activity.

Prospero ID: CRD42020207040.

Keywords: Systematic literature review, homeopathy, Australia

Publication History

Article published online:
30 January 2024