CAM Flashcards
Why do people use CAM
Conventional medicine not effective or health condition hard to diagnose
Adverse effects of conventional medicine, some CAM can be less toxic
Natural = safe perception
Antipathy towards medical establishment
Prefer the CAM consultation process
Readily available and accessible
Why would people not use CAM
Uncertainty about quality and safety
Belief in science and lack of trust in non-orthodox practitioners
Satisfied with conventional medicine
Lack of awareness about CAM
cost
Factors limiting CAM research
Financial restraints
CAM practitioners may lack research skills
Lack of academic infrastructure, no funding
Problem conducting research including obtaining adequate sample size and trial design - hard to have placebo arm for acupuncture
Difference between PL number and THR number
PL number - efficacy is based on clinical trial results
THR number - efficacy is based on traditional use of the product
Cocoa for blood pressure
Moderate quality evidence that flavanol rich chocolate/dark chocolate and cocoa products can cause a small reduction in blood pressure (short term in health adults)
Coenzyme Q10 for blood pressure
Moderate quality evidence that it does not have a clinically significant effect on blood pressure
Garlic and blood pressure
Insufficient evidence to know if it provides a therapeutic advantage vs placebo in reducing mortality risk and CV morbidity in those with hypertension
St. John’s wart for low mood
Was superior to placebo in patients with major depression, and had a similar efficacy to standard antidepressants with reduced side effects
3 main principles of homeopathy
Treat like with like
Use minimal doses of active ingredient
Use a single remedy
Preparation of homeopathic remedies - potentisation
Add 1 part of the previous dilution to diluent in a new vial followed by SUCCUSSION at each dilution stage and the strength increases (potentisation)
What is succussion
Vigorous shaking with impact and elastic collision
National rules scheme benefits
Products authorised under the scheme will have to comply with recognised standards of safety, quality, and patient info
Indications are limited to minor symptoms and minor conditions, indications for serious conditions are prohibited
Will encourage growth in the range of products on the market and enhance the consumers understanding of their benefits
National rules scheme criticisms
Requirements for efficacy are reduced, homeopathic provings are accepted as sole evidence for efficacy
Damaging to the patients best interest
Evidence based medicine is essential for public health, growth of homeopathic industry does not contribute to public health
MHRA have betrayed their Important Job of ensuring medicines work
Has lent credibility to a practice that has none, it will raise public confidence in a practice that does not warrant it
Adverse reactions and potential risks of acupuncture
Pain
Minor haemorrhage
Transient hypotension, dizziness
Headache, malaise, nausea and vomiting
Exacerbation of pre existing symptoms
Transmission of blood borne viruses
Allergic reaction to metal of needles
Acupuncture for migraine
Evidence suggests adding acupuncture to symptomatic treatment of attacks reduces the frequency of headaches, there is an effect over sham
Acupuncture may be at least similarly effective as treatment with prophylactic drugs
