The Samueli Institute Epidemiologic Documentation Study (EDS) program combines screening of practices and field investigations with early prospective outcomes documentation systems (PODS) research to advance CAM therapies that have direct relevence to human health and are suitable for rigorous evaluation. Field Investigation activities include:
- screening clinical sites for potential involvement in prospective outcomes documentation systems (PODS);
- visiting sites and practices to determine the feasibility of future data collection endeavors; and
- conducting retrospective studies of relevant CAM practices.
The PODS approach systematically evaluates clinical outcomes of CAM practices or treatments using prospective research in the practice-based or an appropriate clinical setting.