Complementary Alternative Medicines Flashcards
Define CAM as WHO
a broad set of health care practices that are not part of that country’s own traditions and are not integrated into the dominant health care system
Define CAM as National Centre for Complementary and Integrative Health
a diverse group of medical and health care systems, practices and products that are not presently considered to be part of conventional medicine
What makes the interpretation of what constitutes CAM complex?
National, cultural and ethnic differences
What are the key underlying dogmas of CAM? (7)
treatments have a long hx of use and stood the test of time
treatments enjoy a lot of support
treatments are natural and therefore safe
treatments are holistic
treatments tackle the root causes of the problem
treatments are being suppressed by the establishment
treatments are inexpensive and so value for money
Name some CAM modalities
herbal and homeopathic therapies acupuncture aromatherapy Reiki Shiatsu Yoga Anthroposophic medicine Ayurveda chiropractic hypnosis mediation naturopathy osteopathy reflexology Chinese medicine vitamins and minerals massage nutraceutical acupressure spiritual healing Alexander technique Applied kinesiology autogenic training
Are males or females the highest users of CAM?
Females
Who are high risk patient groups?
children
pregnancy
those on prescribed medications
polypharmacy
60% of Scottish GP practices prescribe homeopathy or herbal medicines. what are the concerns with this?
implausibility of most lack of evidence of benefit lack of safety data evidence of harm adverse effects herb-drug interactions missed diagnoses stopping conventional medicines cost effectiveness?
What is a sterotypical CAM user?
Affluent
Educated
Family and friends also use
Why do people use CAM?
desire to have control over one health dissatisfaction with conventional treatment perception that conventional medicine lacks a holistic approach concerns over SE of prescribed think its safe, natural and harmless don't see any distinction promote health relatives use
why do HCWs recommend CAM?
patient demand placebo genuine belief experience feel good factor in terminal illness use CAM themselves
what are herbal medicines?
include herbs, herbal materials, herbal preparations and finished herbal products that contain as active ingredients parts of plants or other plant material or combinations
What are the differences in herbal classification in UK and USA?
UK - food supplements, cosmetics, medicines
USA - dietary supplements
do herbal medicines contain active ingredients?
yes
name common adulterants in herbal medicines
heavy metals
bacteria
medicines
