CAM

Question 1

CAM

Answer 1

complementary and alternative medicine

Question 2

what is the main gold standard for CAM but has some limitations

Answer 2

randomised controlled trials (RCT)

Question 3

an evidence used that evaluate real world practice

Answer 3

clinical audits

Question 4

other sources of evidence

Answer 4

observational studies

anecdotal reports

literature searching

Question 5

What are the issues with RCTs for CAM?

Answer 5

lack of funding

subjective v objective measures

bias and limitations

Question 6

EBM - evidence based medidicne

Answer 6

Integrating clinical expertise, patient values, and best available evidence

patient preferences

Question 7

list the 5 research problems for CAM

Answer 7

1. lack funding and prioritisation
2. placebo and binding difficulties
3. lack of standarisation
4. publishing bias - selective reporting of positive trials
5. small samples, lack of hypotheses, poor methodology

Question 8

explain the risks and safety involving CAM…

Answer 8

direct - reactions to medicines

indirect - inaccurate diagnosis, untreated serious condition, drug interactions

underreporting - lack of monitoring systems

need for training - stay within scope

public awareness - balance risks v benefits

Question 9

TRUE OR FALSE
around 20% of doctors use or refer patients to CAM therapies

Answer 9

TRUE

Question 10

issues with herbal medicine

Answer 10

1. not thorougly tested for efficacy, toxicity, drug interactions
2. variation in potency between batches
3. some toxic can’t be used to manufacture

Question 11

define medicine reconciliation

Answer 11

process of identifying an accurate list of patients current meds and carry out comparison of these current list in use

Question 11

what is St john’s wort used for

Answer 11

depression - but potential serious drug interactions and s.e.

NOT regulated as pharmaceutical medicien but hERBAL REMEDY

NICE does not reccomend

Question 12

What is homeopathy?

Answer 12

use highly diluted substances to stimulate healing

MHRA does not require homeopathic products to demonstrate efficacy, only quality and safety

Question 13

explain the process of homeopathy = diluting

Answer 13

dilution most frequently sold in pharmacies is 6c, which is a 10-12 dilution of the original mother tincture.
A product of 6c dilution will contain just a few molecules of the initial substance
A product of 30c (10-60 dilutions), will contain even fewer

less diluted - more chance of side effects

can cause reactions in those with lactose intolerance

Question 14

what to do if taking prescribed meds and homeopathic products

Answer 14

stop taking prescribed

Question 15

define acupuncture

Answer 15

Insertion of thin needles into specific points on the body
Aims to restore balance of qi (energy flow)
Used for pain relief, nausea, addiction treatment

Question 16

what is used for treatment of muscoskeletal problems?

Answer 16

chiropractic and osteiopathic

Question 17

define aromatherapy

Answer 17

Uses concentrated essential oils extracted from plants
Applied through massage, inhalation, compresses
May help relieve anxiety, nausea, pain, skin conditions

side effects = allergic reactions (rash)

Question 18

when is aromatherapy used?

Answer 18

avoid in people w diabetes should avoid angelica

epilepsy = avoid fennel, rosemary and sage

ppl w HTN should avoid hyssop, rosemary, sage and thyme

Question 19

define. Reflexology

Answer 19

Applying pressure to specific “reflex points” on feet/hands
Aims to stimulate healing in corresponding organs and tissues
Used for relaxation, stress relief, symptomatic pain relief

Question 20

yoga

Answer 20

practice physical postures, breathing and meditation
benefits stress

Question 21

other methods

Answer 21

Faith healing
Chelation therapy
Macrobiotic diets
Hypnosis

Question 21

meditation

Answer 21

train attention adn awareness

^ calmness, emotional stability

help with anxiety, depression and pain