Dr. Richard Nahas launched The BEAM Project, or Bringing Evidence to Alternative Medicine, to collect data about the effectiveness of many forms of alternative medicine with modern technology.
The ultimate goal of the project is to produce an app that gives patients valuable information about what treatments work and what treatments do not.
Introduction
Every day, millions of people are treated by Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) providers. Yet providers are reluctant to prescribe these treatments because of a lack of evidence. Mobile devices have the potential to enable patients and providers to generate data at the point of care, and remove barriers for CAM.
A Data Tool for CAM
Many patients have reported benefits from CAM, but outcomes data has been lacking. CAM providers should be an easier population to engage. BEAM will allow them to:
document their success
attract new patients
improve compliance
An Incentive for Patients
There is a significant incentive for patients who are willing and able to use an app to apply a rational approach to their alternative medicine experience. They allocate significant time and money to CAM therapies. A clear framework for exploring CAM with self-reported outcomes has clear appeal.