Abstract
This is a partial analysis of the outcome of a survey looking at user perception of the institutional use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) in Florianópolis healthcare centers. Structured interviews were applied to users treated with CAM in the locations offering this option most often, using data-based theory as a theoretical-methodological reference. For the most part, the use of CAM was proposed by basic health professionals (the operators of biomedical care), initially as a preferred alternative to biomedicine. Interviewees preferred CAM, associating it to fewer side-effects. Users mentioned enhanced dialog with professionals to negotiate treatment forms. The hypothesis emerged that CAM could be the initial treatment option in a large number of cases, saving conventional treatment for subsequent use if necessary, or in some cases as the single or complementary treatment. This enables drafting an expanded flow using CAMs in primary healthcare. New studies and institutional experience are required to investigate this hypothesis, expanding the use of CAM in an ecology of institutional care.
Highlights
Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) is widely used around the world[1,2]
The use of CAM in countries with ample access to biomedicine has been attributed to diagnostic and therapeutic limitations, iatrogenesis and situations related to biomedical care, as well as the virtues associated with CAM: enhanced value of the [patient/healthcare professional] bond, expanded listening and an approach that considers the various patient dimensions
In Brazil, the Federal government calls such practices integrative and complementary practices (ICPs), and the National ICP Policy[14] recommends they be included in the Unified Healthcare System (SUS), especially in primary healthcare (PHC)
Summary
Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) is widely used around the world[1,2]. It includes medical care practices and rationales[3] that are not part of conventional medicine[4]. When present in PHC services, they are either provided by the biomedical professionals themselves, being known as hybrid according to Barros[15], or performed by professionals who provide only alternative or complementary treatments (acupuncturists, homeopaths and the like), which we will call exclusive CAM practitioners. This is important in Brazil, from the point of view of providing universal access to biomedical care and CAM. The option for hybrid services on the other hand, would require that the family health (FH) professionals and teams be trained (continuous education), with this theme as a heavy component of their training
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
