The research study of the effect of Functional Medicine on the health of our patients.
Scientific research is an important detail in Functional Medicine. Every aspect of our working methods (lifestyle advice, interventions and treatments) is supported by research. However, we would like even more evidence and research in Functional Medicine. Research studies are often based on traditionally designed study protocols applied to a group of participants who share some characteristics. Most studies also have a treatment group and a control group. The challenge with studies in Functional Medicine, which is a holistic approach, is that it is impossible to standardize treatments, as they per. definition must be fully tailored to each individual.
Our patient group is heterogeneous and many experience a complex set of symptoms. They do not fit a separate diagnosis, nor are they all suitable for the same treatment. Nordic Clinic has therefore invested in a scientific study, where we follow our patients over time to compare experienced health before and after the implementation of the individualized treatment plans. The study serves as an evaluation of Functional Medicine and as an internal evaluation of our methods. New patients may be offered to participate, but participation is voluntary. Study participants fill out questionnaires before the first consultation and then every month for a year. Then a follow-up is made after another year. We look at a wide range of factors to evaluate how our patients’ health develops from several different points of view, such as mental health, fatigue and bowel symptoms. We publish our results in a scientific journal. We are conducting the study in collaboration with researchers from Stockholm University.
External research collaborations
Together with Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm University and the Nordic Network for Personalised Lifestyle Medicine (NNPLM), we are conducting a joint research study that will take place at the Nordic Clinic. The purpose of the study is to investigate whether our Functional medicine approach can help patients suffering from chronic IBS and severely reduced quality of life who have undergone standard examinations and treatments prescribed by gastroenterologists but have not experienced any improvement.
