Complementary Medicine Flashcards
WHO definition of CAM
a ‘broad set of health care practices that are not part of that country’s own tradition and are not integrated into the dominant health care system’.
What does CAM stand for
Complementary and alternative medicines
Which gender mainly use CAM
Females
Is there a-lot of efficacy and safety data on CAM
No real lack
Is there any ways of reporting adverse affects or adverse drug reaction to CAM
No
Which high risk groups are there issues of particular concern relating to CAM
Children
Pregnancy and fetogenesis
Patients using prescribed medication
Polypharmacy
Examples of CAM
Herbal medicine Homeopathy Acupuncture Aromatherapy Hypnosis Meditation Yoga Chinese medicine Nutracutical
Main CAM in UK
Herbal products Massage Nutraceuticals Aromatherapy Yoga Meditation
Concerns about CAM
Implausibility of most therapies Lack of evidence for benefit Lack of safety data Evidence of harm Adverse effects Herb to drug interactions Missed Dx Stoppin conventional medicine Unqualified practitioners
Which patients use CAM in the UK
80% UK
60% cancer patients
60% pregnant women
Why do people use CAM
Desire to have control over ones own health
Dissatisfaction with conventional treatment Perception that conventional medicine lacks/disregards an holistic approach.
Concerns about the side effects of prescribed medications
Think its safe, natural and harmless
Don’t see any distinction
Why might healthcare professional recommend CAM
Patient demand Placebo effect Genuine belief in a therapy Experience Use CAM themselves
Do a lot of pregnant women use CAM
yes 2/3
Why does CAM use in pregnancy matter?
No safety or efficacy data
Teratogenesis?
Fetogenesis?
What is acupuncture
Trigger points targets for needling to deal with pain
