Faculty and students are conducting exciting research projects.
North American COVID-19 Tibetan Medicine Observational Study (NACTMOS)
Effect of Tibetan herbal formulas on symptom duration among ambulatory patients with native SARS-CoV-2 infection: A retrospective cohort study
Validity Testing and Refinement of the Constitutional Self-Assessment Tool and Lifestyle Guidelines Tool
Researchers
Cameron, M.E., Torkelson, C., Namdul, T., Prasek, A., & Gross, C.R.
Context
Tibetan medicine offers an ancient, timely model for the promotion of health and treatment of disease by teaching individuals to make healthy lifestyle choices. This holistic model consists of analyzing one's unique constitution and recommending supportive lifestyle modifications. An experienced Tibetan medicine practitioner is the gold standard for constitutional assessment. Because few Tibetans practice Tibetan medicine in the United States, research-based tools with content and criterion validity are needed for self-assessment.
Objective
To test the validity of and refine the Constitutional Self-Assessment Tool (CSAT) and Lifestyle Guidelines Tool (LGT).
Design
Mixed methods pilot study conducted in three phases.
Setting
Tibetan Medical Institute (TMI) of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Dharamsala, India and the University of Minnesota, a U.S. research University.
Participants
Six TMI senior faculty; 88 students at the university.
Methods
Phase 1: TMI faculty evaluated the tools' content validity. Phase 2: 59 students completed the CSAT, had a Tibetan medicine consultation, completed the LGT, and answered qualitative questions. Phase 3: 29 students studying Tibetan medicine followed a modified phase 2 method. Quantitative and phenomenological analyses were performed to investigate the CSAT's criterion validity (agreement of CSAT results and consultations) and refine the tools.
Results
The tools were shown to have high content validity. Phase 2 CSAT had 51% agreement and 0.24 kappa statistic, suggesting fair criterion validity. Phase 3–refined CSAT had 76% agreement and 0.50 kappa statistic, suggesting moderate criterion validity.
Conclusion
The refined CSAT and LGT in demonstrate the potential for additional research and use in integrated care.
Effect of a Tibetan Medicine Educational Intervention on the Constitutional Self-Assessment
Researchers
Cameron, M. E., Namdul, T., & Clevenger, B.
Tibetan Medicine and Integrative Health: Validity Testing and Refinement of the Constitutional Self-Assessment Tool and Lifestyle Guidelines Tool
Researchers
Cameron, M.E., Torkelson, C., Namdul, T., Prasek, A., & Gross, C.R.
Context
Tibetan medicine offers an ancient, timely model for the promotion of health and treatment of disease by teaching individuals to make healthy lifestyle choices. This holistic model consists of analyzing one's unique constitution and recommending supportive lifestyle modifications. An experienced Tibetan medicine practitioner is the gold standard for constitutional assessment. Because few Tibetans practice Tibetan medicine in the United States, research-based tools with content and criterion validity are needed for self-assessment.
Objective
To test the validity of and refine the Constitutional Self-Assessment Tool (CSAT) and Lifestyle Guidelines Tool (LGT).
Design
Mixed methods pilot study conducted in three phases.
Setting
Tibetan Medical Institute (TMI) of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Dharamsala, India and the University of Minnesota, a U.S. research University.
Participants
Six TMI senior faculty; 88 students at the university.
Methods
Phase 1: TMI faculty evaluated the tools' content validity.
Phase 2: 59 students completed the CSAT, had a Tibetan medicine consultation, completed the LGT, and answered qualitative questions.
Phase 3: 29 students studying Tibetan medicine followed a modified phase 2 method. Quantitative and phenomenological analyses were performed to investigate the CSAT's criterion validity (agreement of CSAT results and consultations) and refine the tools.
Results
The tools were shown to have high content validity. Phase 2 CSAT had 51% agreement and 0.24 kappa statistic, suggesting fair criterion validity. Phase 3–refined CSAT had 76% agreement and 0.50 kappa statistic, suggesting moderate criterion validity.
Conclusion
The refined CSAT and LGT demonstrate the potential for additional research and use in integrated care.
Learn more about the Constitutional Self-Assessment Tool and Lifestyle Guidelines Tool.