Practitioner Research and Collaboration Initiative
PRACI is the largest national practice-based research network for complementary healthcare practitioners in the world.PRACI is committed to:
- Strengthening the development of meaningful and practice relevant research in complementary healthcare
- Supporting productive communication and engagement between complementary healthcare practitioners and researchers
- Stimulating and developing a sustainable research culture within complementary healthcare in Australia
- Facilitating the development of research networks in a range of complementary healthcare fields across Australia and internationally
- Progressing broad, rigorous scientific investigation to inform complementary healthcare patient care
We are grateful to the Endeavour College of Natural Health for funding PRACI, and to the PRACI members who form the network for their time and commitment to research in their profession.
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For Practitioners
PRACI is arguably the most important complementary medicine research infrastructure in Australia and supports practitioners in being about to work alongside researchers to build the evidence base for the complementary medicine professions.PRACI opens for new members every couple of years so if you would like to keep abreast of PRACI developments and be notified when the next recruitment round will open please sign on to our biannual newsletter (scroll to the bottom of this page) and follow us on Facebook.
Frequently Asked Questions
Want to know more? Take a look at our FAQ to find out how PRACI is relevant to you. A detailed overview of the PRACI project has also been published in Advances in Integrative Medicine.
Q. What is PRACI?
Q. What is a practice-based research network (PBRN)?
The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) defines a practice-based research network (PBRN) as a group with at least 15 ambulatory practices and/or 15 clinicians devoted principally to the primary care of patients, affiliated with each other (and often with an academic or professional organization) in order to investigate questions related to community based practice.
The defining characteristics of a PBRN include:
- A mission and statement of purpose including an ongoing commitment to research;
- Channels for communication among network participants;
- A director with responsibility for administration of the network and at least one support staff;
- An advisory board that solicits input from communities of patients served by the PBRN clinicians
Q. Why is PRACI so important?
As a PBRN, PRACI contributes some very important benefits to the future of complementary healthcare in Australia and globally. PRACI enables clinicians to directly and personally contribute to the creation of new knowledge and advancement of clinical insights within their profession. It also makes it easier for researchers looking to commit to more substantial complementary medicine research by facilitating recruitment of participants. PRACI also helps create a like-minded community of peers for complementary healthcare practitioners. Most importantly, PRACI has the ability to improve the quality of care provided to patients.
Q. What will happen to the data collected from the baseline survey?
The results of the baseline members survey are collated and held on a secure password protected server which is only accessible by PRACI administration. PRACI members will be allocated a member identification code (MIC) and their survey responses will be added to the database under their MIC. A separate and distinct database stores each participant’s name and contact details with their corresponding MIC. Personal information will not be available to individuals outside PRACI administration.
Q. How are details of PRACI database members protected?
Researchers wishing to contact PRACI members to recruit for a research project need to submit an Expression of Interest which will be reviewed by the PRACI Steering Committee. Each submission must identify the characteristics of the participants they would like to recruit. Following approval by the Steering Committee, members will then be contacted directly by the PRACI administrative team with the recruitment information for the project. PRACI members interested in participating will then be free to respond to the researcher at their own discretion. Individual contact details or any other identifiable information will not be provided to external researchers without the express permission of each member.
Q. Which complementary healthcare fields are included in PRACI?
- Acupuncture
- Aromatherapy
- Ayurveda
- Bowen therapy
- Chinese herbal medicine
- Homeopathy
- Kinesiology
- Musculoskeletal therapy/Myotherapy
- Naturopathy
- Nutrition
- Reflexology
- Western herbal medicine
- Yoga
Q. Where can I learn more about Practice-Based Research Networks?
Between 2000 and 2005, AHRQ funded four major competitive grant programs directed at PBRNs. In addition to funding opportunities, AHRQ is supporting PBRNs through a national resource center, an annual national conference, peer learning groups, an electronic PBRN research repository, and a dedicated community extranet. To learn more about AHRQ’s interest and support of practice based research networks, visit:
A supplement to the Annals of Family Medicine in July 2005 was devoted to Practice- Based Research Networks. This issue of the Annals can provide more information and is freely accessible at:
A more recent paper can provide further information by Green LA, Hickner J. A Short history of Primary Care Practice-based Research Networks: From Concept to Essential Research Laboratories. Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine 2006; 19(1): 1-10. Article freely accessible at:
Q. How can I become part of the PRACI PBRN?
Clinicians interested in becoming part of PRACI can join annually when we open our database up for new members. You will be asked to complete a baseline survey which will allow your details to be added to the password protected PRACI database. As a PRACI member you will be contacted regarding any research projects relevant to your practice so you have an opportunity to choose to participate. You will also receive a PRACI newsletter to inform you of the research being conducted and published through PRACI.
Q. What will happen if I choose to become part of the PRACI PBRN?
Once agreeing to be apart of PRACI, your details will be entered into the password protected PRACI PBRN and your baseline data responses will be stored to start mapping CM workforce for each modality. This will be built upon through further research and you will receive a PRACI newsletter to inform you of the research use PRACI is being put to.
Q. I am a researcher. Can I utilise the PRACI database?
Absolutely. PRACI is designed with the overarching purpose to facilitate collaboration between researchers and practitioners. An Expression of Interest process has been designed which facilitates using PRACI to conduct high quality complementary healthcare research whilst ensuring clinicians within the network are not overburdened and their confidentiality is maintained. Expression of Interest submissions are encouraged from clinicians, researchers, potential funders and others. More information about the EOI process is outlined here.
Scroll down for related documents and information - under For Researchers
Q. Can I earn CPD (Continuing Professional Development) points for involvement in PRACI?
Most professional associations allocate CPD points towards practitioner involvement in professional research. The number of points varies with each association. PRACI gives its members terrific opportunities to earn CPD points for involvement in sub-studies to assist them to maintain and enhance currency in theoretical knowledge and professional skills.
CPD Points
PRACI gives its members terrific opportunities to earn CPD points for involvement in sub-studies.| Professional Association | CPD points for PRACI membership |
| Massage & Myotherapy Australia |
20 points per sub-study 10 points for being a member of PRACI 40 points for Conducting a Research Project |
| Reflexology Association of Australia | 1 point per hour (max of 10 points) for sub-study |
| National Herbalists Association of Australia | 1 point per 6 hours for sub-study |
| Australian Traditional Medicine Society | 1 point per 2 hours (max of 8 points) for sub-study |
| Complementary Medicine Association | 1 point per hour (max of 10 points) for sub-study |
| Australian Naturopathic Practitioners Association | 1 point per hour for sub-study |
| Australian Institute of Kinesiologists | 1 point per hour (max 5 points) for sub-study |
| Australasian Association of Ayurveda |
1 point per hour (max 10 points) for sub-study 10 points for Conducting a Research Project |
| Australian Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine Association | 1 point per hour for sub-study |
| Australian Register of Homoeopaths | 1 point per hour for sub-study |
| Bowen Association Australia | 1 point per hour for sub-study (Category 2) |
If your professional association is not on this list, please contact them directly to enquire as to how many CPD points you will earn.
For Researchers
PRACI is designed with the overarching purpose to facilitate collaboration between researchers and practitioners.An Expression of Interest process has been designed which facilitates using PRACI to conduct high quality complementary healthcare research whilst ensuring clinicians within the network are not overburdened and their confidentiality is maintained. Expression of Interest submissions are encouraged from clinicians, researchers, potential funders and others.
Related documents and information:
- PRACI Sub-study Expression of Interest Form [Word]
- PRACI Sub-study Application Flowchart [PDF]
- PRACI Interim Report Form [Word]
- PRACI Final Report Form [Word]
- Policy and Procedures for Data Access, Analysis and Publication [PDF]
- Checklist for Researchers [PDF]
- Independence of Research and Conflicts of Interest Policies [PDF]
- Declaration of Conflict of Interest Form [Word]
- PRACI Workforce Survey 2015 [PDF]
- NHMRC Australian Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research
PRACI PUBLICATIONS
Here are a list of publications that have been developed as a result of the PRACI project so far:-
Leech, B., Schloss, J., & Steel, A. (2018). Investigation into Complementary Medicine Practitioners Clinical Experience of Intestinal Permeability. Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, 31(2018), 200-209
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1744388117305388 -
Fisher, C., Hickman, L., Adams, J., & Sibbritt, D. (2018). Cyclic Perimenstrual Pain and Discomfort and Australian Women's Associated Use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine: A Longitudinal Study. Journal of Women's Health, 27(1), 40-50.
https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/abs/10.1089/jwh.2016.6253 -
Yang, L., Peng, W., Adams, J., & Sibbritt, D. W. (2018). Treating people with arthritis with traditional Chinese medicine (TCM): an examination of the perception of TCM practitioners. Acupuncture in Medicine, acupmed-2017.
http://aim.bmj.com/content/early/2018/03/07/acupmed-2017-011527 - The Australian Complementary Medicine Workforce: A Profile of 1,306 Practitioners from the PRACI Study
- Developing a multi-modality complementary medicine practice-based research network: The PRACI project
- The importance of the PRACI project for grass roots complementary medicine practice: a call for practitioner involvement
- An Overview of the Practitioner Research and Collaboration Initiative (PRACI): a practice-based research network for complementary medicine
STUDIES BEING CONDUCTED THROUGH PRACI
Currently there are 10 sub-studies running through PRACI:- Examining complementary medicine practitioners’ approaches to weight loss - Dr Romy Lauche, Dr Jon Adams, Dr Wenbo Peng, Dr Jon Wardle, Dr Nicholas Fuller, Ms Tess Dingle (University of Technology Sydney)
- Investigation into complementary medicine practitioners’ clinical experience of intestinal permeability - Mr Bradley Leech, Dr Janet Schloss, Dr Amie Steel (Endeavour College of Natural Health)
- Herbal Medicine and the treatment of cyclic perimenstrual pain and discomfort - Ms Carole Fisher, Prof David Sibbritt, Prof Jon Adams, Dr Louise Hickman (University of Technology Sydney)
- Comparative effectiveness study of the clinical and cost outcomes on massage for the management of chronic low back pain in Australia - Dr Amie Steel, Prof Jon Adams, Dr Janet Schloss, Ms Tess Dingle (University of Technology Sydney)
- The practice of yoga in Australia: A workforce study - Dr Sridhar Maddela, Prof David Sibbritt,, Prof Jon Adams, Dr Jane Frawley (University of Technology Sydney)
- Medical conditions and symptoms presenting to practitioner of Complementary Medicine in Australia. A snapshot across CM modalities - Dr Michael Watson & Dr Andrea Bugarcic, Ms Jenny Yeeles, Dr Manisha Thakkar, Mrs Tirtha Goradia (Endeavour College of Natural Health)
- Treating people with arthritis in traditional Chinese medicine: an examination of the perceptions of traditional Chinese medicine practitioners - Miss Lu Yang, Prof Jon Adams, Prof David Sibbritt (University of Technology Sydney)
- The rationale, practices and knowledge of Australian naturopaths, Western herbal medicine practitioners and nutritionists associated with recommending gluten free diets: A national survey - Dr Joanna Harnett, Dr Erica McIntyre, Dr Catherine Rickwood, Dr Claudine Van De Venter (The University of Sydney)
- Exploring the contribution made by Australian Naturopaths to the management of individuals with cardiovascular disease and/or known CVD risk factors - Dr Joanna Harnett, Dr Ryan Bradley, Dr Catherine Rickwood (The University of Sydney)
- Naturopathic treatments for sleep disorders: a provider’s perspective - Dr Bandana Saini, Ms Vibha Malhorta, Dr Joanna Harnett, Prof Keith Wong (The University of Sydney)
Collaborators
PRACI is an ever-expanding project. These are the collaborators to date:
Dr Amie Steel
Associate Director Research at Endeavour College of Natural Health
Amie Steel is a naturopath, educator and researcher in the field of complementary and alternative medicine.
Over the last 18 years, Amie has worked in a variety of areas in complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) including clinical practice, health promotion, product development and sales, CAM practitioner education, and research.
Amie was involved in CAM practitioner education at the Australian College of Natural Medicine (now Endeavour College of Natural Health) where, prior to her current role, she worked for 14 years delivering a number of courses in naturopathic nutritional management, clinical supervision, and naturopathic philosophy.
Professor Jon Adams
Director of Australian Research Centre in Complementary and Integrative Medicine (ARCCIM)
Jon is Professor of Public Health and Director of the Australian Research Centre in Complementary and Integrative Medicine (ARCCIM) at the Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney.
Jon is also National Convenor of the Public Health Association of Australia Special Interest Group in Evidence, Research and Policy in Complementary Medicine. Jon currently holds an NHMRC Career Development Fellowship (2011-2014) in CAM and women's health. Jon was recently awarded an ARC Professorial Future Fellowship (2014).
Helene Diezel
Senior Research Assistant of the Office of Research
Helene Diezel is a social scientist, educator and researcher in the field of health.
Over the last 7 years, Helene has worked in a variety of health areas including political advocacy and activism, complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) familiarisation, product development and sales, community education, and research.
Helene was involved in public health research at the University of Queensland Centre Clinical Research prior to her current role and she has worked for 5 years educating young people, health professionals, families and communities both in below benchmark, indigenous, refugee and rural settings as well as abroad.
PRACI is also led by an expert steering committee:
Dr Amie Steel (Chair)
Associate Director Research, Endeavour College of Natural Health / Postdoctoral Research Fellow, ARCCIM
Ms Tricia Hughes
Chief Executive Officer, Massage & Myotherapy Australia
Mr Roderick Martin
Chief Executive Officer, Go2 Health / Registered Acupuncturist / Practitioner Board Member, CMBA
EXPERT ADVISORY GROUPS
Four collaborating working groups have also been formed to provide expert advice to the Steering Committee where needed. Expert Advisory Group members are as follows:Traditional Chinese Medicine: Dr Amie Steel, Dr Jon Wardle, Patricia Reynolds, Debra Godson and Adele Bishop
Ingestive Medicines: Dr Matthew Leach, Dr Janet Schloss, Dr Amie Steel, Dr Jane Frawley, Greg Cope and Alastair Gray
Manual Therapies: Tricia Hughes, Prof. Jon Adams, Dr Amie Steel, Helene Diezel and Sarah Robinson
Yoga: Prof. David Sibbritt, Prof. Jon Adams, Dr Matthew Leach, Tanya Quod, Dr Amie Steel and Dr Romy Lauche
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Key Support Partners
PRACI is proud to partner with the following organisations:
