A Systematic Scoping Review of Complementary and Alternative Medicine Mind and Body Practices to Improve the Health of Veterans and Military Personnel

Abstract Background Over the past few decades, the popularity of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) has grown considerably and along with it, scrutiny regarding its evidence base. While this is to be expected, and is in line with other health disciplines, research in CAM is confronted by numerous obstacles. This scoping review aims to identify and report the strategies implemented to address barriers to the conduct and application of research in CAM. Methods The scoping review was undertaken using the Arksey and O’Malley framework. The search was conducted using MEDLINE, EMBASE, EMCARE, ERIC, Scopus, Web of Science, The Cochrane Library, JBI and the grey literature. Two reviewers independently screened the records, following which data extraction was completed for the included studies. Descriptive synthesis was used to summarise the data. Results Of the 7945 records identified, 15 studies met the inclusion criteria. Using the oBSTACLES instrument as a framework, the included studies reported diverse strategies to address barriers to the conduct and application of research in CAM. All included studies reported the use of educational strategies and collaborative initiatives with CAM stakeholders, including targeted funding, to address a range of barriers. Conclusions While the importance of addressing barriers to the conduct and application of research in CAM has been recognised, to date, much of the focus has been limited to initiatives originating from a handful of jurisdictions, for a small group of CAM disciplines, and addressing few barriers. Myriad barriers continue to persist, which will require concerted effort and collaboration across a range of CAM stakeholders and across multiple sectors. Further research can contribute to the evidence base on how best to address these barriers to promote the conduct and application of research in CAM.

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A scoping review of research on complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) and the mass media: Looking back, moving forward

BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine ◽

10.1186/1472-6882-8-43 ◽

2008 ◽

Vol 8 (1) ◽

Cited By ~ 42

Author(s):

Laura C Weeks ◽

Tina Strudsholm

Keyword(s):

Mass Media ◽

Alternative Medicine ◽

Complementary And Alternative Medicine ◽

Scoping Review ◽

The Mass Media ◽

Looking Back ◽

Complementary And Alternative

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The role of spirituality and spiritual care in complementary and alternative medicine: A scoping review

Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science ◽

10.3329/bjms.v20i4.54125 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 20 (4) ◽

pp. 714-724

Author(s):

Mujeeb Hoosen ◽

Nicolette Vanessa Roman ◽

Thuli Godfrey Mthembu

Keyword(s):

Alternative Medicine ◽

Complementary And Alternative Medicine ◽

Scoping Review ◽

Spiritual Care ◽

Medical Science ◽

Holistic Treatment ◽

Practitioner Perceptions ◽

Academic Search ◽

Complementary And Alternative

Background: Spirituality has become more prevalent in health professions other than complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). In CAM, spirituality appears to be part of a foundational component of the clinical practice, which is valued by many patients. Spirituality has gained popularity in healthcare education and practice; however, the contribution made by CAM remains minimal evidenced by the paucity of studies on the topic of spirituality in CAM. Therefore, there is need for a scoping review to: 1) to explore the focus and nature of research on spirituality in CAM; 2) to provide recommendations based on the relational aspects between spirituality and CAM. Methods: A scoping review was performed of all relevant articles found in Ebscohost (Academic Search Complete), Science Direct, and Scopus published between 2000 and 2019. This scoping review included two hundred and six studies, of these, twentytwo articles focussed on the role of spirituality in CAM. Results: These four themes were reported in the results: spirituality as a modality of CAM; patient perceptions of the role of spirituality and CAM; practitioner perceptions of the role of spirituality and CAM; and the role of spirituality and CAM in education and practice. Spirituality was considered an important component and was linked to culture, traditions and/or religious beliefs. The use of spirituality in CAM was especially linked to patients living with chronic disease such as diabetes, cardiac conditions and cancer. Spirituality seemingly facilitated health care and while patients expected spirituality healthcare advice from CAM practitioners most CAM practitioners felt ill equipped to deal with the topic appropriately. Conclusions: Overall, this scoping review highlights that the role of spirituality in CAM seem to be of value for both practitioners and clients within the CAM clinical setting. However, only a few practitioners include spiritual healthcare advice without clear guidelines. Consequently, this may compromise the holistic treatment, which so many patients expect within the CAM domain. Therefore, there is a need for the inclusion of spirituality in the CAM curriculum and guidelines for CAM practitioners. Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol.20(4) 2021 p.714-724

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Medical students use, attitudes towards, and knowledge of complementary and alternative medicine: A scoping review

The Asia Pacific Scholar ◽

10.29060/taps.2021-6-4/oa2470 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 6 (4) ◽

pp. 107-117

Author(s):

Sarah Brown ◽

Justin L C Bilszta

Keyword(s):

Medical Students ◽

Alternative Medicine ◽

Complementary And Alternative Medicine ◽

Scoping Review ◽

Medical Curriculum ◽

Undergraduate Medical Students ◽

Medical Practitioners ◽

Positive Attitudes ◽

Attitudes And Knowledge ◽

Complementary And Alternative

Introduction: Use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is popular in the general population and medical practitioners may not be fully equipped in their knowledge of CAM to advise patients appropriately. The aim of this paper was to perform a scoping review of current literature describing undergraduate medical student use, attitudes, and knowledge of CAM as a means of better understanding the educational needs of these students. Methods: A systematic search of Medline, PubMed and the Education Resources Information Center (ERIC) databases with keywords related to “complementary and alternative medicine” and “undergraduate medical students” for relevant articles published until August 2020. Results: Of 131 papers identified, 38 underwent full review. It was found 13-80% of medical students use CAM, and overall have a positive attitude towards CAM therapies. Female medical students and those with religiosity had more positive attitudes towards CAM than their male colleagues and those without a religion. Knowledge of CAM is lacking with approximately only half of students feeling they were knowledgeable about CAM therapies. Popular information resources are the Internet and social media, but students expressed they want more teaching of CAM in the undergraduate medical curriculum. Conclusion: Evidence suggests high usage of CAM amongst undergraduate medical students, and positive attitudes towards CAM therapies; however, knowledge of CAM is poor, and students want more CAM teaching to upskill them in counselling patients interested in CAM therapies. Further areas for research include a better understanding of resources medical students use for their knowledge and how gender and religiosity influence attitudes towards CAM.

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