About This Book

Most complementary health care practitioners recognize the potential of scientific research to enhance the effectiveness of clinical care, but often have limited education in research literacy. This book is written for complementary and integrative health care practioners at every level, especially those without a prior science background. It contains an explanation of the scientific method and the research process, step-by-step directions for locating research articles, and standards for classifying and evaluating both quantitative and qualitative studies. This new edition includes a chapter on understanding basic statistical concepts, a chapter on designing and conducting case reports, and an expanded chapter on evaluating qualitative research. An excellent resource for students, educators, and clinicians, Making Sense of Research is a foundation text for anyone interested in evidence-based practice.

About the Author

Martha Brown Menard, Ph.D., CMT, graduated from Potomac Massage Training Institute in 1982 and believes that education is a lifelong process. After massage school she continued to pursue professional education in health care at the University of Virginia. Her dissertation research on the effects of massage therapy on postoperative outcomes was funded by one of the first NIH National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine grants. Martha has served as Chair of the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork, and as Vice President for Operations of the AMTA Foundation, where she designed the Massage Research Database. She has been teaching workshops on research literacy since 1998, and maintains a private practice in Charlottesville, Virginia. e-mail the author