V. Die Vision einer pragmatischen klinischen Forschung: Methodologie und Studiendesigns / The Vision of Pragmatic Clinical Research: Methodology and Study Designs

Summary The aim of this overview is to discuss the usefulness of two re­ search tools often advocated in complementary medicine: the n = 1 study and case series. These methodologies are defined and their advantages and disadvantages are outlined. It is concluded that both designs have advantages and disadvantages. For testing the ef­ ficacy/effectiveness of complementary therapies neither design will lead to conclusive, generalizable results. Yet both methodologies can be valuable adjuncts to other types of investigation.