complimentary & alternative medicine

Question 1

what is CAM (complimentary & alternative medicine)?

Answer 1

• therapeutic approaches that are not part of the predominant biomedical system or topics not included in medical education
  -eg someone receiving chemotherapy for cancer may also be getting massage or acupuncture to manage side effects

Question 2

what are the 5 broad areas of CAM?

Answer 2

-mind body interventions eg meditation, art therapy, yoga
-biologically based therapies eg Chinese medicine
-manipulative/ body based methods - eg massage, acupuncture
-biofield / energy therapies - eg craniosacral therapy
-alternative medical systems eg Chinese medicine

Question 3

what is a monopolistic relationship between the medical professional and CAM?

Answer 3

The HCP predominantly recommends CAM therapies over conventional medical treatments

Question 4

what is a tolerant relationship between a HCP and CAM?

Answer 4

• where healthcare providers are open-minded, respectful, and accepting of diverse treatment options
• they aim for a balanced and evidence based approach to healthcare

Question 5

what is a parallel relationship between the HCP and CAM

Answer 5

-where these two groups operate independently and side-by-side without significant collaboration or integration
- maintain separate and distinct practices, with minimal interaction or coordination in the delivery of healthcare services.

Question 6

what is an integrated relationship between the HCP and CAM?

Answer 6

this relationship involves both HCP and CAM work together to develop care plans for the patient

Question 7

who uses CAM?

Answer 7

-women use CAM more often
-aged 35-60
-people with higher socioeconomic status, education levels
-people who have health insurance available

Question 8

why do people try CAM for cancer?

Answer 8

-helps with recovery and coping with side effects of treatment such as pain, stress & nausea
-comfort themselves and ease worries of treatment
-try to treat or cure their cancer
-feel that they are doing something to help with their own care

Question 9

what is integrative medicine?

Answer 9

it describes the integration between western and alternative forms of medicine to offer a more holistic and individualised approach to healing

Question 10

what is functional medicine?

Answer 10

functional medicine addresses lifestyle factors such as nutrition, diet and stress as root causes of a more complex serious disease