scholarly journals A Qualitative Investigation of the Perceptions of Complementary and Alternative Medicine Among Adults in Hawaiʻi

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brittany R Odegard ◽  
Mollie R Ferguson ◽  
Farah Naja ◽  
Jennifer Ayoub ◽  
Jinan Banna
Keyword(s):  
Alternative Medicine ◽  
Complementary And Alternative Medicine ◽  
Conventional Medicine ◽  
Scientific Evidence ◽  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Data Saturation ◽  
Negative Perceptions ◽  
The University ◽  
Complementary And Alternative

Abstract Background: Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is defined as a group of diverse medical and healthcare practices outside of conventional medicine modalities. The use of CAM is steadily increasing despite gaps in the scientific evidence supporting its use and the challenges of its regulation and integration into conventional healthcare practices. In this context, perceptions concerning CAM become important. The purpose of this study is to identify the perceptions of CAM among adult residents of Hawaiʻi.Methods: Two researchers conducted audio-recorded interviews at the University of Hawaiʻi Mānoa (UHM) campus. Participants were over the age of 18, spoke English fluently, and self-identified as Hawaiʻi residents. Interviews were conducted to the point of data saturation and audio recordings were transcribed verbatim. Researchers collaboratively developed a codebook and used NVivo 12 to analyze transcripts. New codes were added as required. Inter-rater reliability was determined by calculating Cohen’s kappa coefficient. Key themes were identified by both researchers individually and then discussed and evaluated together.Results: Participants were mostly female, white, and affiliated with UHM. Perceptions were categorized as positive, negative, and neutral. The majority of participants had positive perceptions of CAM with few reporting negative perceptions. The positive perceptions were related to CAM’s perceived effectiveness, the desirability of CAM compared to conventional medicine, and CAM’s ability to foster well-being. Negative perceptions were attributed to the lack of scientific evidence and ineffective outcomes of CAM use. Neutral perceptions of CAM related to its safety and natural characteristics. Conclusions: The finding of this study revealed mainly positive perceptions of CAM revealed among Hawaiʻi residents. Use of CAM is on the rise despite CAM lacking empirical evidence demonstrating efficacy. With insufficient data and understanding, CAM users place themselves at risk for harmful herb-herb and herb-drug interactions. These findings have implications for healthcare providers of both conventional medicine and CAM traditions.

scholarly journals Factors influencing the lack of communication on complementary and alternative medicine by clinicians in higher healthcare: A cross-sectional survey in China

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hui Xie ◽  
Hongli Zhou ◽  
Li Li ◽  
Wenting Li ◽  
Haibo Shi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Alternative Medicine ◽  
Complementary And Alternative Medicine ◽  
Western Medicine ◽  
Positive Attitude ◽  
Conventional Medicine ◽  
Scientific Evidence ◽  
Health Belief ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Complementary And Alternative

Abstract PurposeComplementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is well documented and widely applied in healthcare, however, there is a paucity of knowledge on the attitudes of high healthcare clinicians regarding CAM, as well aspects related to the communications by clinicians on the use of CAM. Such communication can be important in assuring agreement about therapeutic plans and the use of CAM as complimentary higher healthcare. The study investigated the communication about CAM between patients and clinicians, as well as factors that influence the communication of clinicians about CAM.MethodsThe study made use of the CAM Health Belief Questionnaire (CHBQ), a 10-item Likert-scale questionnaire that assesses the attitudes and beliefs of healthcare professionals towards CAM. The cross-sectional survey was distributed to 360 doctors in traditional Chinese Mmedicine (TCM) and western medicine (WM) from the departments of Internal Medicine (physicians) and Surgery (surgeons). The survey was distributed in 5 different hospitals in China over the period from May to August 2019.ResultsWe found that there is generally a positive attitude toward CAM by clinicians, with a large difference between physicians and surgeons. We found that there was a lack of communication about CAM between clinicians and patients, largely associated with the uncertainty about the scientific evidence for the efficacy of CAM, and the possible interactions with conventional medicine and other safety-related components. This made clinicians fearful and worried, and reluctant to share about CAM. Among those who could share or discuss CAM with patients, many were trained in TCM and had previously used CAM, and so they were more likely to communicate CAM to patients. Western medicine doctors were more resultant and did not have a positive attitude towards CAM, and would not recommend it to patients. Moreover, the physicians who typically would communicate about CAM with patients indicated that they were not encouraged to use it due, largely, to lack of access to CAM training, which is evident in the fact that on 10.6% of the clinicians had certificates in TCM. Therefore, there is a need to train clinicians in CAM and to equip them with skills that will enable them to engage patients and offer complementary modalities of treatment, given the historical use of CAM in China.ConclusionsOur results show that there is a generally positive attitude towards CAM in higher health in China. Clinicians have a positive attitude towards CAM but do not generally communicate with patients. The willingness that clinicians, especially the western clinicians, want to communicate with patients was weak. To reduce the reluctance and uncertainty, clinicians should be trained in evidence for those CAM methods in which patients are interested. This will also improve doctor-patient communication and allow for better integration of patient needs in their healthcare plans.

scholarly journals The effectiveness of complementary and alternative medicine therapy in reducing pain in diabetic neuropathy: A systematic review

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 31-40
Author(s):  
St Syahriyani ◽  
Saldy Yusuf ◽  
Yuliana Syam
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Diabetic Neuropathy ◽  
Alternative Medicine ◽  
Complementary And Alternative Medicine ◽  
Conventional Medicine ◽  
Scientific Evidence ◽  
Complementary Therapy ◽  
Whole Body ◽  
High Morbidity ◽  
Complementary And Alternative

Background: Pain is quite often felt in approximately 30 to 50% of people with diabetic neuropathy. As a result, the quality of life is low, indicated by the high morbidity and mortality rates. The availability of symptomatic pharmacological agents has the potential to have side effects and adverse effects in the elderly and in addition to the high risk of addiction. Complementary therapy and alternative medicine in chronic pain are clinically safe, cost-effective, and affordable. However, scientific evidence of its effectiveness is limited.Objective: This systematic review aims to evaluate the intervention modalities and the effectiveness of complementary and alternative medicine therapy in diabetic neuropathy pain.Methods: The searched literature databases included PubMed, ProQuest, ScienceDirect, EBSCO host, DOAJ, Clinical Key for Nursing, and Cochrane. The criteria for the article, among others, focus on complementary therapy and alternative medicine in diabetic neuropathy pain, publications in the last five years, full text, and in English. Results: Fifteen articles were identified in reporting the effectiveness of complementary therapy and alternative medicine in reducing diabetic neuropathy pain, including mindfulness-based stress reduction, mindfulness meditation, relaxation, whole-body vibration, Abzan, aerobic resistance training, nano curcumin, Citrullus colocynthis, dietary, acupuncture, laser, and reflexology.Conclusion: Most scientific evidence reports the effectiveness of complementary and alternative medicine therapies in reducing pain in diabetic neuropathy, thus strengthening its application as an adjunct to conventional medicine is needed.

Clinical trials in complementary and alternative medicine – the myth of limitations

10.20883/161 ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 85 (4) ◽  
pp. 327
Author(s):  
Tomasz Rzepiński ◽  
Piotr Tabaczewski
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Trials ◽  
Alternative Medicine ◽  
Complementary And Alternative Medicine ◽  
Conventional Medicine ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Treatment Protocols ◽  
Risks And Benefits ◽  
Complementary And Alternative

The  paper aims to dispute common arguments put forward by practitioners of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) in discussions against conducting clinical trials in CAM treatment protocols. It is argued that CAM therapies cannot be evaluated by the same criteria as those applied in conventional medicine due to specificity of CAM. This paper suggests that this line of thought undermines not only the validity of CAM therapies, but, importantly, is delaying understanding their therapeutical value. We also argue that despite apparent differences in approach both conventional medicine and CAM aim to improve human well being therefore CAM should be validated with well established and widely accepted process of balancing of risks and benefits of individual therapies as in conventional medicine clinical trials.

scholarly journals Clinical trials in complementary and alternative medicine – the myth of limitations

2016 ◽  
Vol 85 (4) ◽  
pp. 327-329
Author(s):  
Tomasz Rzepiński ◽  
Piotr Tabaczewski
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Trials ◽  
Alternative Medicine ◽  
Complementary And Alternative Medicine ◽  
Conventional Medicine ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Treatment Protocols ◽  
Risks And Benefits ◽  
Complementary And Alternative

The  paper aims to dispute common arguments put forward by practitioners of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) in discussions against conducting clinical trials in CAM treatment protocols. It is argued that CAM therapies cannot be evaluated by the same criteria as those applied in conventional medicine due to specificity of CAM. This paper suggests that this line of thought undermines not only the validity of CAM therapies, but, importantly, is delaying understanding their therapeutical value. We also argue that despite apparent differences in approach both conventional medicine and CAM aim to improve human well being therefore CAM should be validated with well established and widely accepted process of balancing of risks and benefits of individual therapies as in conventional medicine clinical trials.

scholarly journals Complementary and Alternative Medicine versus Conventional Medicine Use in Thalassemia Patients

2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (16) ◽  
pp. 105-111
Author(s):  
Wan Ismahanisa Ismail ◽  
Mohamed Azmi Ahmad Hassali ◽  
Maryam Farooqui ◽  
Muhammad Nabil Fikri Roslan ◽  
Nazri Che Dom
Keyword(s):  
Alternative Medicine ◽  
Complementary And Alternative Medicine ◽  
Conventional Medicine ◽  
Publishing House ◽  
Medicine Use ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
International Publishing ◽  
Treatment Procedures ◽  
Open Access Article ◽  
Complementary And Alternative

Background: This study explores thalassemia patients' perceptions concerning the effectiveness of conventional therapies for Thalassemia healthcare. Method: The semi-structured interviews were audiotaped, transcribed verbatim, and translated into English. Results: Nearly all thalassemia patients reported to have relied on conventional treatment methods to treat and reduce the severity of their disease. Few patients reported not to comply with their treatment procedures due to fear of infection through blood transfusion, surgery and organ failure. Conclusions: In conclusion, patients showed positive views about the conventional therapies carried out for Thalassemia. Keywords:: Thalassemia; qualitative; conventional; complementary and alternative medicine eISSN: 2398-4287© 2021. The Authors. Published for AMER ABRA cE-Bs by e-International Publishing House, Ltd., UK. This is an open access article under the CC BYNC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/). Peer–review under responsibility of AMER (Association of Malaysian Environment-Behaviour Researchers), ABRA (Association of Behavioural Researchers on Asians/Africans/Arabians) and cE-Bs (Centre for Environment-Behaviour Studies), Faculty of Architecture, Planning & Surveying, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia. DOI: https://doi.org/10.21834/ebpj.v6i16.2665

scholarly journals Safety and Use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine in Norway During the First Wave of the COVID-19 Pandemic Using an Adapted Version of the I-CAM-Q: A Cross-Sectional Survey

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Agnete Egilsdatter Kristoffersen ◽  
Miek C. Jong ◽  
Johanna Hök Nordberg ◽  
Esther T. van der Werf ◽  
Trine Stub
Keyword(s):  
Adverse Effects ◽  
Alternative Medicine ◽  
Complementary And Alternative Medicine ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Computer Assisted ◽  
Fisher Exact Test ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Exact Test ◽  
Complementary And Alternative

Abstract BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic lockdown has had a profound impact on physical and mental well-being throughout the world. Previous studies have revealed that complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is frequently used for, and can be potential beneficial for strengthening physical mental resilience. The aim of this study was therefore to determine the prevalence, associations and reasons for use of CAM during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic among a representative sample of the Norwegian population, and determine possible effects and adverse effects of the treatments. MethodsComputer assisted telephone interviews using a COVID-adapted I-CAM-Q questionnaire were conducted with 1008 randomly selected Norwegians aged 16 and above using multistage sampling during April and May 2020 applying age and sex quotas for each area. Descriptive statistics were carried out using Pearson’s Chi-square test, Fisher exact test, and Independent samples T-tests to identify group differences. ResultsThe study revealed that two thirds of the respondents (67%) had used CAM within the first three months of the COVID-19 pandemic, in particular CAM modalities that did not involve a provider. Most used were natural remedies and dietary supplement (57%, mainly vitamins and minerals), but self-help practices like yoga and meditation were also widely used (24%). Women used CAM modalities significantly more than men (77% vs. 58%). Most of the respondents found the modalities they used beneficial, and 5% reported adverse effects of the treatments.ConclusionsThe first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic has not profoundly changed the overall need of Norwegian citizens to seek care outside the conventional healthcare system, but rather caused a shift in the type of CAM modalities used. The risk profile of these modalities was generally low as only 5 % of the respondents reported adverse effects. Further studies are needed to confirm the change from provider based to self-administered CAM use.

How to Search and Critique Scientific Evidence for Decision-Making

2017 ◽  
pp. 100-123
Author(s):  
Mayuree Tangkiatkumjai ◽  
Win Winit-Watjana ◽  
Li-Chia Chen
Keyword(s):  
Alternative Medicine ◽  
Complementary And Alternative Medicine ◽  
Literature Search ◽  
Scientific Evidence ◽  
Clinical Decision ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Search Terms ◽  
Based Medicine ◽  
Complementary And Alternative

A clinical decision on the use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) should be made based on evidence-based medicine (EBM) together with practitioner's knowledge and experiences. This chapter describes the process of EBM, including how to address a clinical question, do a systematic search for appropriate evidence with key search terms, appraise the evidence and make a clinical decision on CAM applications. An effective literature search should be performed by using a structured search strategy in searching biomedical and CAM databases, such as the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM Citation Index). Few standard tools are recommended to evaluate the quality of CAM studies, i.e. the CONSORT extension for herbal interventions and STRICTA for RCTs of acupuncture. Additionally, some guidelines for designing RCTs in Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) can also be adopted to critique CAM literature. A clinical decision on choosing optimal CAM for patient care should be based on the current best evidence emerged from the EBM process.

scholarly journals Collaborating with Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) Providers When Writing HPV Vaccine Review Articles

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 592
Author(s):  
Michael J. Deml ◽  
Léna G. Dietrich ◽  
Bernhard Wingeier ◽  
Gisela Etter ◽  
Caesar Gallmann ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Alternative Medicine ◽  
Complementary And Alternative Medicine ◽  
Hpv Vaccine ◽  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
Vaccine Hesitancy ◽  
Background Information ◽  
Communication Tools ◽  
Provider Perspectives ◽  
Review Articles ◽  
Complementary And Alternative

Novel strategies are needed to address vaccine hesitancy (VH), which correlates with complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). In Switzerland, CAM providers play important roles in vaccine counseling of vaccine hesitant (VH) parents, and traditional vaccination messaging tends to overlook CAM provider perspectives. In the setting of a Swiss national research program on VH, our key strategy has been to work together closely with CAM providers. To assess the feasibility of generating educational human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine materials that would interest VH healthcare providers (HCPs), we invited four CAM providers to co-author two HPV vaccine review articles for general practitioners. We conducted thematic analysis of CAM provider comments to identify patterns that could complement and improve vaccination messaging from CAM perspectives. We identified several themes and generated an inventory of CAM provider messaging recommendations related to language use, presentation of background information, nuanced statements regarding HPV vaccine efficacy and safety, and communication tools that would be important to VH HCPs. Contrary to our initial expectations, and in an inclusive, respectful atmosphere of open dialogue, we were able to productively finalize our manuscripts. In the opinion of the CAM co-authors, the manuscripts effectively considered the communication needs and perspectives of VH HCPs. Engaging with CAM providers appears to be a feasible and innovative avenue for providing vaccine information and designing communication tools aimed at VH healthcare providers.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document