14) Complementary Therapies Flashcards
What are complementary and alternative medicines?
Medical system based on a theory of disease or method of treatment other than the orthodox science of medicine taught at med school
What CAMs are closely related to conventional medicines?
Osteopathy
Acupuncture
Give some examples of CAMs:
Acupuncture, aromatherapy, hypnotherapy, relaxation and visualisation etc.
Why do people use CAMs?
Persistent symptoms
Real or perceived adverse effects of conventional treatment
Holistic approach
More time and attention from therapist
What are some of doctor’s concerns about people using CAMs?
Unqualified and unregulated practioners Missed or delayed diagnosis (especially if use CAM first) Wasting money May refuse conventional treatment Mechanisms implausible
What are the implications for the patient using CAMs and seeing HCPs?
Symptom iceberg
Poor communication
Treatment interactions
What is aromatherapy?
Controlled use of essential oils with therapeutic properties by topical massage or inhalation
What can aromatherapy be used for?
Relieve stress, ease tension and improve health and wellbeing
What is acupuncture?
Stimulation of special points on body by insertion of fine needles
What are some of the challenges in conducting trials into CAMs?
Obtaining funding Complex Finding placebos Double blinding Trial of single intervention may not reflect reality
What are some reasons for why NICE should evaluate CAMs?
High public interest GPs provide access Addresses inequalities in access Same standard should apply Stimulates more research
What are some reasons against why NICE should evaluate CAMs?
Money in NHS limited
NICE has higher priorities
Poor quality evidence
What are some issues about applying evidence based medicine to CAMs?
Healing potential not grasped by EBM
Forced into biomedical rules
What evidence counts e.g. patient feedback
