Exchange of Complementary and Alternative Medical Knowledge in Sport-Related Internet Fora

2012 ◽  
Vol 29 (3) ◽  
pp. 348-364 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joachim Kimmerle ◽  
Kim-Kristin Gerbing ◽  
Ansgar Thiel ◽  
Ulrike Cress

This research note provides an explorative analysis of sport-related knowledge exchange about Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) on the Internet. Data are taken from a qualitative content analysis of the largest German-speaking Internet sport portal. Knowledge exchange about CAM in these Internet fora is characterized by the following phenomena: Users expected CAM to improve their performance and discussed a great variety of treatments based on primarily anecdotal knowledge. In addition, two main types of users (helpers and help-seekers) dominated the exchanges. The main reasons for seeking alternative medical help on the Internet were cases of prolonged illness and dissatisfaction with biomedical care.

2019 ◽  
Vol 14 (3) ◽  
pp. 164-173 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrian Liem

Purpose As part of a nationwide research about knowledge, attitude, experiences and educational needs towards complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) among Indonesian clinical psychologists (CPs), the purpose of this paper is to explore CPs’ perceptions of CAM research and their interest in learning CAM. Design/methodology/approach A link to an online survey was e-mailed to all 1,045 CPs across Indonesia. At the end of the survey, two open-ended questions were asked: “What do you think about CAM research in Indonesia?” and “Why are you interested in learning about CAM?”, which were responded to by 127 participants (87 per cent of females; Mage=36.67, SD=9.02). Participants’ responses were analysed using inductive qualitative content analysis. Findings It was found that two global themes for CPs’ perceptions of CAM were to improve participants’ professionalism and as part of continuing education and development for mental health professionals. The favourable responses in this study may reflect participants’ willingness to be involved in collaborative CAM research and education. Moreover, CAM was perceived as part of Indonesian culture and participants viewed CAM research and knowledge as a chance to promote Indonesian local wisdom to complement conventional psychotherapy. Research limitations/implications These findings might call for stakeholders to integrate CAM knowledge into psychology education, facilitate CAM research in psychology settings and encourage collaborative CAM research. However, self-selection bias may limit the findings of this study. Originality/value This study explored perceptions of CAM research and interest in learning CAM that have rarely been investigated among mental health professionals and particularly, until now, have not been investigated in Indonesia.


2021 ◽  
Vol 20 ◽  
pp. 153473542110660
Author(s):  
Megan E. Sansevere ◽  
Jeffrey D. White

Background: Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is often used by cancer patients and survivors in the US. Many people turn to the internet as their first source of information. Health information seeking through the internet can be useful for patients to gain a better understanding of specific CAM treatments to discuss with their healthcare team, but only if the information is comprehensive, high quality, and reliable. The aim of this article is to examine the content, writing/vetting processes, and visibility of cancer CAM online informational resources. Methods: Online CAM resources were identified by Google and PubMed searches, literature reviews, and through sources listed on various websites. The websites were analyzed through a modified online health information evaluation tool, DISCERN (score range = 1-5). The website’s features relevant to the quality assessment were described. Results: Eleven CAM websites were chosen for analysis. The DISCERN analysis showed a range of quality scores from 3.6 to 4.9. Lower DISCERN scores were generally due to deficiencies in describing the writing, editing, and updating processes. A lack of transparency with authorship and references was commonly present. Conclusion: Cancer patients interested in CAM need unbiased, evidence-based, reliable, high-quality, easily accessible educational materials. Individuals should use the guidelines followed in this analysis (including DISCERN and Medline Plus) to find reliable sources. Website developers can use CAM Cancer (NAFKAM), Beyond Conventional Cancer Therapies, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, breastcancer.org , Office of Dietary Supplements, National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, and Cancer.gov as models for trustworthy content.


2015 ◽  
Vol 32 (04) ◽  
pp. 74-80 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ina M. Ott ◽  
Karsten Muenstedt ◽  
Oliver Micke ◽  
Ralph Muecke ◽  
Franz J. Prott ◽  
...  

2016 ◽  
Vol 55 (04) ◽  
pp. 322-332 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vivekanand Sharma ◽  
John Holmes ◽  
Indra Sarkar

SummaryObjectives: Identify and highlight research issues and methods used in studying Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) information needs, access, and exchange over the Internet.Methods: A literature search was conducted using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis guidelines from PubMed to identify articles that have studied Internet use in the CAM context. Additional searches were conducted at Nature.com and Google Scholar.Results: The Internet provides a major medium for attaining CAM information and can also serve as an avenue for conducting CAM related surveys. Based on the literature analyzed in this review, there seems to be significant interest in developing methodologies for identifying CAM treatments, including the analysis of search query data and social media platform discussions. Several studies have also underscored the challenges in developing approaches for identifying the reliability of CAM-related information on the Internet, which may not be supported with reliable sources. The overall findings of this review suggest that there are opportunities for developing approaches for making available accurate information and developing ways to restrict the spread and sale of potentially harmful CAM products and information.Conclusions: Advances in Internet research are yet to be used in context of understanding CAM prevalence and perspectives. Such approaches may provide valuable insights into the current trends and needs in context of CAM use and spread.


2020 ◽  
Vol 27 (6) ◽  
pp. 383-391 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christina Maria Huber ◽  
Niklas Barth ◽  
Klaus Linde

<b><i>Background:</i></b> Qualitative and quantitative surveys show that many German general practitioners (GPs) use complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) in their daily work. However, participants in such studies were mostly experienced GPs. <b><i>Objective:</i></b> The aim of this study was to investigate systematically how young GPs view CAM and to what extent and how they use CAM treatments. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> Thirteen young physicians in specialist training for general practice as well as GPs who had completed their specialist training within the last 2 years participated in problem-oriented interviews. Interviews were evaluated by qualitative content analysis. <b><i>Results:</i></b> The attitudes of participants towards CAM in general and towards specific CAM modalities varied strongly, but doubts regarding a firm evidence base and specific effects over placebo were expressed frequently. Nevertheless, participants were generally open to herbal medicines and all seemed to use them more or less regularly in clinical practice. Other CAM treatments seemed to be used infrequently. Participants used CAM often for minor illnesses; largely as a first low-intensity therapeutic trial to avoid potentially harmful conventional treatments; and to comply with patient preferences. <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b>Compared to more experienced GPs, the participants in our study tended to be more critical towards CAM. Apart from herbal medicines, CAM treatments were used rarely.


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