Australia is internationally renowned for the strength of its (mainstream) basic medical and clinical research, clinical trials and analytical capabilities.  However, while it has one of the highest level of use of complementary medicine per capita in developed nations historically it provides one of the lowest investments in related research.

The Institute provides a coordinated, national approach to developing a comprehensive research agenda and resolving complex methodological issues to facilitate appropriate translation of evidence into practice and policy.

In addition to the work being done by the three NICM Collaborative Centres the Institute has identified a range of major project areas to enhance research and the development of the sector as a whole.

Research Priorities

Complementary medicine research is a strategic priority in Australian's National Health and Medical Research Council plan and one of the Institute's roles is to articulate national priorities in basic and translational research.  In its first year of operation overarching priorities were established by NICM, going forward these higher level priorities are being refined and translated into a workable plan that will help concentrate research effort.  NICM has developed a unique process to help identify these priorities which will be of national and international relevance.

Health Economics 

A key goal of any healthcare system is to deliver health services that improve the health of a population. However, with pressures on healthcare budgets (expensive new technologies, an ageing population, etc) tough decisions need to be made in how to best allocate the available resources.  The Institute has commissioned a study that will help determine the relative value of complementary medicine interventions to the community.

Integrated Care 

Within Australia, integrated care is being provided by sole practitioners and multi-disciplinary teams within a range of settings, including hospitals and clinics.  However, there is no current profile of integrated care initiatives; compendiums of examples and their benefits or information collected on a regularised and agreed basis to enable trends to be monitored and comparisions of health and costs benefits to be made.   NICM has prepared a directions paper to help address this gap and is providing seed funding to a number of integrated care studies.

Content Updated January 2009