Quality assurance

Note: This is a translated version of Kvalitetssikring.

NIFABs self-produced fact articles on CAM modalities and -products (herbs/ dietary supplements) are quality assured. This means that NIFAB uses fixed procedures, sources and templates when producing and revising these articles. The procedures and templates for writing are developed together with NAFKAMs research expertise, and approved by NAFKAMs leadership.

Quality assurance through source selection

Information about effect and safety aspects of CAM modalities and -products are based on information from three independent, research-based sources. These are internationally recognized and considered as the most robust and comprehensive within the field: The Cochrane Library, Natural Medicines and Natural Standard.

For fact articles on CAM modalities and -products related to alternative cancer treatment, NIFAB also uses CAM-Cancer as a source.

Because the information found in these databases are compiled, read and approved by experienced researchers, NIFABs publics are assured that information concerning possible effects and risks are of high quality. You can read more about NIFABs sources here.

Health and treatment advice

NIFAB does not provide health nor treatment advice, but refers advice from our research-based sources, and also if a CAM modality or product is not recommended by Norwegian health authorities.

Templates for production

NIFABs production of fact articles about a CAM treatment or product incorporates following a standardized writing-template for both the structure and content of the article:

• Template for fact article on a CAM modality
• Template for fact article on a herb/ dietary supplement

External quality assurance

NIFAB is aware that practice of CAM modalities may vary from country to country. Descriptions of modalities in NIFAB's internationally based sources may thus differ from what meets Norwegian patients.

In order to secure maximum relevancy, the relevant Norwegian CAM practitioner's organization is therefore invited to read and comment on the new fact article prior to publication. The organization is requested to check NIFAB's presentation of:

• The CAM modality's background and theory
• The practitioners' understanding of health and disease
• How the modality is typically practised in Norway
• How the Norwegian practitioners are organized, and what educational skills the organization demands from its members

Comments/ suggestions for changes to the article from the practitioner's organization on these points, is then evaluated by NIFAB. The practitioner's organization is not remunerated for this work.

Before publication

Text quality is also ensured internally by NIFAB, by being audited by at least two other employees (including the Editor) before the article is published.

They consider whether all required and relevant information according to the writing template and procedure is present, and check the article's linguistic quality before it is published on the web page.

Revision

Information on research status and safety in fact articles are audited once a year. Minor changes in other chapters of the article may occur at other times. All articles are marked with the date of when it wast last modified.

Disclaimer: News stories

Under the web page's "News"-section, NIFAB publishes news stories, written using journalistical principles. Opinions of persons interviewed within these, can not be attributed to NIFAB.

NIFAB also publishes news stories about CAM from other media. These are not quality assured by NIFAB. These news stories may contain statements about the effects and health risks of a CAM modality treatment or product, based on single-studies.