Individualization versus Standardization: Designing Randomized Controlled Trials that Respect Homoeopathic Principles

Author

Dr Ritesh Raychura, Dr Vivek Rajput, Dr Hari Sharanam Pandey, Dr Ram Naresh Yadav, Dr Dilip Thakor


Abstract

 Homoeopathy is built on individualized prescribing, while the randomized controlled trial (RCT) is built on standardized interventions. This tension is often blamed for inconsistent or inconclusive trial results. This article argues that the conflict is mostly one of design. It reviews how homoeopathic RCTs have handled individualization, introduces the concept of model validity, and proposes a framework that standardizes the process of prescribing rather than the remedy. It outlines blinding, comparator, outcome, analysis and reporting strategies, and recommends a pragmatic, process-standardized design as the most defensible route to credible evidence.


Keywords

homoeopathy; individualization; randomized controlled trial; model validity; pragmatic trial; research methodology



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References


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