Scientific research in the field of complementary medicine (CAM) is on the increase, both quantitatively and qualitatively. The outcome of this research is usually presented only in scientific journals and to fellow scientists, using scientific terminology. The information rarely reaches decision makers on European health policies and when it does, may be difficult for them to read and understand in the limited time they have available. There is no systematic solution to this problem from the organisations and institutes presently active in the field of CAM research.

This communication gap makes it hard to convey the key message to the political decision makers, namely that substantial and good quality research in CAM shows potential for much improved public health care.

The European Information Centre for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (EICCAM) has been set up to bridge this gap. Its aim is the communication of scientific and health care related information on CAM to the media, politicians, legislators and other stakeholders in a way that is appropriate to the needs of the target group. Its information will be independent, comprehensive and quality assured in order to contribute to informed decision-making. The intention is to make the scientific voice of CAM heard and understood in Europe and in the longer term to become the first interlocutor on European scientific CAM affairs.

This means that the Centre will collect and update scientific information on CAM on a regular basis, convert the scientific information into a summarised and understandable format for the educated non-expert public and monitor the input and output of information. It will also network with the scientific community and with all CAM stakeholders and organise or participate in scientific events on CAM.

The Information Centre has been set up as a public foundation, with a management board and a scientific board. The scientific board will select the information input and output, decide on actions and activities and, most importantly, ensure its independence. The management board takes care of the daily business and is composed of between five and nine members, one of which is a member of the scientific board.

The scientific board consists of nine full members, five of whom must be specialised in at least one of the following therapies: acupuncture, herbal medicine, homeopathy, anthroposophic medicine, osteopathy and chiropractic. Four members possess expertise in history, qualitative research, economics, or information and transparency related to CAM therapies. The current scientific committee includes well-known scientists working at European universities and with expertise in the CAM field such as Prof Dr Rudolf Bauer, Dr Roman Huber, Prof Dr Robert Jütte, Prof Dr Karin Kraft, Prof George Lewith, Prof Dr Harald Walach, Dr Wolfgang Weidenhammer, Prof Dr Claudia Witt and Dr Ursula Wolf.

To date EICCAM has obtained some funding, but further funding is needed to get the Centre up and running.  Please click here for further information on EICCAM. Readers of this article or the brochure who are aware of possible funding sources are invited to contact the Chair of the EICCAM Management Board, Dr Susanne Schunder-Tatzber, e-mail: s.schund@ping.at.

Dr. Ton Nicolai
ECH President