CAM Flashcards
CAM
complementary and alternative medicine
what is the main gold standard for CAM but has some limitations
randomised controlled trials (RCT)
an evidence used that evaluate real world practice
clinical audits
other sources of evidence
observational studies
anecdotal reports
literature searching
What are the issues with RCTs for CAM?
lack of funding
subjective v objective measures
bias and limitations
EBM - evidence based medidicne
Integrating clinical expertise, patient values, and best available evidence
patient preferences
list the 5 research problems for CAM
- lack funding and prioritisation
- placebo and binding difficulties
- lack of standarisation
- publishing bias - selective reporting of positive trials
- small samples, lack of hypotheses, poor methodology
explain the risks and safety involving CAM…
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
TRUE OR FALSE
around 20% of doctors use or refer patients to CAM therapies
TRUE
issues with herbal medicine
- not thorougly tested for efficacy, toxicity, drug interactions
- variation in potency between batches
- some toxic can’t be used to manufacture
define medicine reconciliation
process of identifying an accurate list of patients current meds and carry out comparison of these current list in use
what is St john’s wort used for
depression - but potential serious drug interactions and s.e.
NOT regulated as pharmaceutical medicien but hERBAL REMEDY
NICE does not reccomend
What is homeopathy?
use highly diluted substances to stimulate healing
MHRA does not require homeopathic products to demonstrate efficacy, only quality and safety
explain the process of homeopathy = diluting
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
what to do if taking prescribed meds and homeopathic products
stop taking prescribed
define acupuncture
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
what is used for treatment of muscoskeletal problems?
chiropractic and osteiopathic
define aromatherapy
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)
when is aromatherapy used?
avoid in people w diabetes should avoid angelica
epilepsy = avoid fennel, rosemary and sage
ppl w HTN should avoid hyssop, rosemary, sage and thyme
define. Reflexology
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
yoga
practice physical postures, breathing and meditation
benefits stress
other methods
Faith healing
Chelation therapy
Macrobiotic diets
Hypnosis
meditation
train attention adn awareness
^ calmness, emotional stability
help with anxiety, depression and pain
