Research in alternative therapy - why? % of all cancer patients seek alternative therapy This number is growing Useful therapy should be offered to cancer patients Non-useful therapy should not be offered Need to know the interaction between alternative and established therapy

The dynamic triangle Why?

The dynamic triangle Alternative therapists Health authorities Universities

The aim of the model is: to overcome cultural barriers to establish a strong and reliable model for collaboration to produce trustworthy evidence to test relevant offers

”Vifab” and alternative … Support and initiate relevant research Act as “midwife” Coordinate and assist in research projects Establish education teams Create overview

The Health Authorities Provide patients Act as collaborators Support sustainability

The Universities Guarantee: Reliable evidence Collection and evaluation of data and evidence Development of methods Define and describe effect parameters Interdisciplinary rooting Health science, social science, psycology, sociology, theology, anthropology, ethics, and others Establishment of research positions Articles to peer reviewed journals

Funds: Committed partnerships Research positions Information Information to the established health care system - all sectors

The dream: Relevant professions working interdisciplinary – also at the universities Evidence and research results are respected by the involved parties Patients get objective and reliable information on established and alternative therapy in all parts of the traditional and alternative health sector