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Homeopathy 2015; 104(03): 190-196
DOI: 10.1016/j.homp.2014.11.002
Original Paper
Copyright © The Faculty of Homeopathy 2014

Data collection: Treat every variable as a treasure

Lex ALB Rutten
Further Information

Publication History

Received14 April 2014
revised21 October 2014

accepted16 November 2014

Publication Date:
20 December 2017 (online)

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Collection of data concerning case histories is not yet common in homeopathy despite its great importance for this method. Computer program development progresses slowly and discussion about requirements is scarce.

Two Dutch projects assessed Materia Medica of some homeopathic medicines and six homeopathic symptoms. Especially the second project relied heavily on data collection. In both projects much effort was spent on consensus between participating doctors.

There was much variance between doctors despite our consensus efforts. Assessing causality seems the most important source of bias, there is also much variance in assessing symptoms.

Conclusion: Data collection software should be developed step-by-step, guided by close monitoring and feedback of participating practitioners.

Keywords

Data collection - Causality - Confirmation bias
 

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