Complementary And Alternative Medicine Education Research Articles

Insight of Al Hijamah Therapy among Allopathic Doctors of Karachi, Pakistan

Aims and objectives: Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) encompasses all forms of therapies that fall outside the mainstream of medical practice. Wet cupping, also known as Al Hijamah therapy, is recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a prominent area within the realm of alternative medicine. Its increasing awareness among general population and misconceptions among allopathic doctors, highlights the need to assess the level of knowledge, attitude, and practices of physicians regarding this therapy to promote it effectively and safely in Pakistan. Methodology: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted from January 2021 to Dec 2022 among allopathic doctors practicing in various hospitals and private clinics of Karachi, Pakistan. The survey was carried out using both hard copy and online questionnaire, which includes four sections: socio-demographics, knowledge of physicians toward cupping therapy, physicians’ attitudes toward therapy, and physicians’ practice toward al hijama therapy. IBM-SPSS version 23.0 was used for data analysis. Results: Out of the 182 responses, 96.7% of the physicians were aware of al Hijamah therapy, 72% expressed a desire to acquire knowledge, 56.6% undergone this therapy and tend to integrate this therapy into their clinical practices. However only 34.8% of the physicians referred their patients to Hijamah therapists. Conclusion: Our research findings suggest that physicians have a sound understanding of al hijama therapy and maintain a positive outlook toward it. Despite their proficiency in this field, physicians encounter obstacles in effectively employing, recommending, or referring patients to this therapy. This study also underscores the importance of integrating CAM education into the medical curricula to address existing knowledge gaps and promote its safe and effective use.

Knowledge, attitude, and perceptions of healthcare professionals towards complementary and alternative medicine: a cross-sectional survey from twin cities of Pakistan

BackgroundThe growing popularity and use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) products among the general public worldwide has been well documented. This study aimed to investigate the knowledge, attitude, and perceptions (KAP) of Pakistani healthcare professionals (HCP) toward CAM and to document their views on integrating CAM education with the curriculum of undergraduate health science programs.MethodA cross-sectional study using simple random sampling was conducted for a duration of ten months among HCPs from Pakistan’s twin cities: Islamabad and RawalpindiThe data were collected using a self-administered and validated (Cronbach’s alpha: 0.71) questionnaire. This questionnaire consisted of five sections, namely; demographic, attitude, perception, integration and knowledge.ResultThe response rate was 91.20% (500/456). The participants included 160 physicians, 155 nurses,and 141 pharmacists. The majority of the respondents were females, 67.50%, and unmarried (60.50%).The majority of HCPs participating in this study agreed that CAM modalities may benefit conventional medicine system. Likewise, most HCPs perceived different CAM therapies aseffective treatment options. More than 50% HCPs suggested CAM elective courses in the curriculum of the health sciences program.Overall, 79.17% of the HCPs have poor knowledge of CAM. Physicians have the highest knowledge score 25.63%, followed by pharmacists 21.99%, and nurses 12.26%. Knowledge status was significantly associated with age, profession, and experience of practice (p = 0.001,0.001 & 0.019).ConclusionThis study revealed that despite the overall positive attitude of HCPs toward CAM, the score of knowledge is low. Therefore, the survey recommends evidence-based guidelines for the rationale use of CAM and updated syllabi of undergraduate health programs which will assist the future HCPs in increasing professionals’ knowledge toachieve better health outcomes for the general public.

Perception, attitudes, knowledge of using complementary and alternative medicine for cancer patients among healthcare professionals: A mixed-methods systematic review.

With the rapid increase in the prevalence of cancer worldwide, the utilization of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) has increased among cancer patients. This review aimed to understand the perception, attitudes, and knowledge of healthcare professionals toward using CAM for cancer patients. A mixed-methods systematic review was undertaken in four databases. Inclusion criteria were primary studies reporting perception, attitudes, and knowledge of healthcare professionals for using CAM for cancer patients were eligible. A mixed-methods convergent synthesis was carried out, and the findings were subjected to a GRADE-CERQual assessment of confidence. Forty-two studies were chosen. The majority of the studies were quantitative and had less than 100 participants. Most publications were from European countries, and oncology was the highest among the specialties. The review found the following themes: feasibility of having negative adverse effects, low expectations of using CAM among HCPs, potential positive effects of using CAM, specific CAM training may be helpful, no concrete regulations to promote CAM practice, and poor physician-patient communication. Nurses had more positive views than other professions; oncologists were concerned regarding herb-drug interactions; integration of CAM into the healthcare system was favorable; HCPs felt the need to participate in specific CAM training; and HCPs agreed that CAM education should be provided more regularly. Future studies should explore the studies views of cancer patients and details of in-depth evidence of CAM in oncology settings.

The effectiveness of teaching complementary and alternative medicine based on the components of theory of planned behavior on nutrition students: multicenter research study

ObjectiveSafe and beneficial use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) modalities results from integrating CAM education into curricula and increasing CAM knowledge. We sought how much teaching CAM procedures in a virtual environment can influence the components of the theory of planned behavior (TPB), including knowledge, attitude, behavioral intention, and behavior of nutrition students.MethodsThis cross-sectional descriptive-analytic study was conducted on 162 undergraduate nutrition students were selected through convenience sampling based on inclusion criteria in 2021–2022. Data were collected through a validated researcher-made CAM questionnaire that was designed based on TPB questionnaire that consisted of four constructs (knowledge, attitude, behavioral intention, and behavior). The content validity index and content validity ratio of the questionnaire were evaluated.ResultsOur results revealed that students who significantly scored the highest scores in attitude, behavioral intention, and behavior constructs were the students who claimed that “teaching two credits of CAM for nutrition students is not enough” (p. value = < 0.001, < 0.001, and 0.005, respectively). In addition, these students used treatment methods of CAM for themselves, suggested treatment methods of CAM to others, and followed the recommendations of the CAM specialists (for three pairwise comparisons: p. value = < 0.001, < 0.001, and < 0.001, respectively). The attitude could predict 70% of behavioral intention. However, attitude and behavioral intention could predict 90% of behavior.ConclusionAttitude was the most critical determinant influencing behavioral intention and behavior. CAM teaching using evidence-based CAM-ITM principles with a succinct, concerted, and collaborative curriculum, integration of CAM into continuing education, and integration of educational CAM programs continuously for several years into the academic curriculum in the actual setting influence the success of the educational CAM program.

Integrative Medicine in the Canadian Medical Profession: Certificate of Added Competence Proposal for Physicians.

Most Canadians use some form of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) and most Canadian physicians are not able to address their patients' use due to inadequate training. Integrative Medicine (IM) in the medical profession has grown over the last 20 years and is now recognized as a sub-specialty in the United States. Canada is lagging behind. The current state of CAM and IM education for physicians in Canada is described, using the United States' experience in comparison. The landscape and obstacles for Integrative Medicine for Canadian physicians is reviewed. A case is made for recognition of Integrative Medicine by Canadian Medical Colleges in order to advance this field in Canada.

State of complementary and alternative medicine education in psychiatry residency programs

The incorporation of integrative medicine as a holistic approach increased in medical education. However, complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) formal teaching in psychiatry residency programs is limited. To assess the incorporation of CAM education in different Chilean psychiatry programs and to determine the knowledge and attitudes toward this issue. An online survey was sent to 80 academic staff from five psychiatry programs. Forty-nine participants answered the survey (61%). Some of the questionnaire topics were the inclusion of CAM content in the program, types of CAM included, and motivation and strategies for the CAM content incorporation in their training curriculum. Most respondents answered that there is no formal CAM content in their program's curriculum. The main topics to incorporate CAM in a psychiatry residency are sleep hygiene, stress management, and motivational interviewing. The lack of knowledge, time constraints, and the limited resources are major barriers to include CAM in their curriculums. Our results suggest that many academic staff of Chilean psychiatry training programs are aware of the importance of having CAM content in their curriculum. However, some barriers hinder their incorporation and implementation.

Complementary and alternative medicine - practice, attitudes, and knowledge among healthcare professionals in New Zealand: an integrative review

BackgroundThe prevalence of CAM use is increasing. This integrative review investigated New Zealand healthcare professionals’ practice of, attitudes toward, and knowledge about complementary and alternative medicine (CAM).MethodsLiterature search was conducted in four databases from inception to April 2020. Studies were included if they reported results from primary data collection on practice of, attitudes toward, or knowledge about CAM amongst New Zealand healthcare professionals.ResultsEleven studies (two of ‘high-quality’, seven of ‘moderate-quality’, and two of ‘low-quality’) were identified with 2060 healthcare professionals including general practitioners (GPs), nurses, midwives, pharmacists, physiotherapists, and medical specialists. New Zealand healthcare professionals were generally positive regarding CAM use, but have concerns on the scientific evidence, regulation, safety, financial costs of CAM, and encourage an evidence-based CAM practice and stronger CAM regulation. Findings indicated that around 25% of GPs practise CAM, and 82.3% refer patients to CAM practitioners. When treating pregnant women, 48.4% of physiotherapists practise acupuncture, and 37.3% of midwives recommend CAM. GPs believe that acupuncture is the most helpful CAM modality, and most commonly practiced and referred patients to acupuncture. Up to 58% of GPs and Plunket nurses wanted to receive further education on CAM, and up to 66.7% GPs favour the idea CAM should be included in medical curriculums.ConclusionsNine of the 11 included studies were of moderate to high quality, thus enhancing the reliability of the review findings. In order to better manage CAM in New Zealand New Zealand clinical settings, there is a need to invest in CAM research and education, and enhance CAM regulation. This review is a first step in developing an evidence base to offer insights for further development of effective CAM policies regarding safety, efficacy, regulation and integration in New Zealand.

The Use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) in Psychiatric Units in Sweden

Mental ill-health has been termed the pandemic of the 21st century, and a large share of those exposed do not receive treatment. Many people with depression, anxiety and other mental health problems consult complementary or alternative medicine (CAM), and CAM is used in conventional psychiatric care, in Sweden and in other countries. However, the extent to which CAM is used in psychiatric care, and for what purposes, are largely unknown. This study is based on a survey distributed to all heads of regional, municipal, private and governmental health care units treating persons with psychiatric symptoms across Sweden in 2019. CAM was reportedly used by 62% of the 489 responding health care units, for symptoms including anxiety, sleep disturbances and depression. Main motivations for CAM use were symptom relief, meeting patients’ requests and reduced demand for pharmaceutical medication. Very few respondents reported side effects. The most common reason for interrupting CAM use at a unit was a lack of trained professionals. This study confirms the need for further research about CAM, and for CAM education and training among healthcare professionals.

The Impact of an Evidence-Based Education on Complementary and Alternative Medicine Usage in People with Cancer: Pilot Study.

Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) usage amongst cancer patients is high globally and in Australia. CAM use in cancer care has the ability to increase chemotherapy toxicity or cause sub-therapy due to altered metabolism as well as increase a patient's bleeding risk. Furthering these risks, people with cancer are largely obtaining their CAM use information from non-evidence-based sources. This study aimed to determine whether the implementation of a CAM education influenced decision-making with regard to CAM usage amongst cancer patients. Twenty people with cancer were recruited for participation in this study. The aims of this study were achieved by surveying patients via questionnaire, both prior to and following receiving an evidence-based CAM education, in either or both written or audiovisual format. This exploratory study found, consistent with the literature, that the majority of participants were obtaining their CAM use information from non-evidenced-based sources. Additionally, it found that the participants wanted more CAM use information and that they demonstrated some altered decision-making after receiving evidenced-based information. On the post-educational questionnaire, the number of participants that stated that they would use CAMs decreased by almost 14%, and some participants made CAM use decisions in accordance with the information provided in the resources. Furthermore, a small increase in CAM knowledge was demonstrated, and it was reported that the resource had prompted them to look further into CAM information. Lastly, the participants in this study found the resource to be mostly useful and helpful and preferred the animated video to the written information.

Development of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) education for clinical psychologists: An example from Indonesia

The inclusion of education about complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) into health education has occurred among the conventional health professions, but not for clinical psychologists. Clinical psychologists, as health professionals, need to have CAM knowledge in order to provide psychoeducation about CAM to their clients based on the latest scientific research. This novel cross-sectional research aimed to explore CAM-related educational needs among Indonesian clinical psychologists based on their knowledge of CAM and attitude towards knowledge of CAM. The participants were 318 clinical psychologists (Mage = 33.94 years, SD = 8.21; 87.7% females) who completed an online survey. In general, participants self-reported a lack of CAM knowledge. CAM education, especially in regards to the risks of CAM use, was strongly needed in psychology curricula and its continuing education. Findings of this study show that professional psychology associations may need to regulate CAM integration in psychological services; and educational institutions teaching psychology may consider delivering CAM education using experiential learning methods. Asian nations could consider the recommendations in this study due to their similarity with Indonesian culture and history of education within the field of psychology.

“I’ve Only Just Heard About It”: Complementary and Alternative Medicine Knowledge and Educational Needs of Clinical Psychologists in Indonesia

Background and objectives: The inadequate knowledge of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) among health professionals may put their clients at risk because clients would then find information about CAM from unreliable sources. Clinical psychologists (CPs), as health professionals, also have the opportunity to provide psychoeducation on the latest scientific CAM research for their clients. The current study aimed to explore knowledge and educational needs regarding CAM among CPs in Indonesia because previous studies on exploring CAM knowledge and educational needs regarding CAM were primarily conducted in Western countries. Materials and Methods: Data were collected through semi-structured face-to-face interviews with 43 CPs in public health centers (PHCs) in Indonesia. Most interviews were conducted at the PHCs where the participants worked and lasted for 55 minutes on average. The interview recordings were transcribed and were analyzed using deductive thematic analysis. Results: Five main themes emerged within participants’ responses regarding CAM knowledge and educational needs. First (CAM understanding), participants’ responses ranged from those with little or no prior knowledge of CAM treatments and uses, to those with much greater familiarity. Second (source of knowledge), participants’ access ranged widely in terms of references, from popular to scientific literature. Third (why is it important?), participants identified CAM as an essential part of Indonesian culture and considered it therefore crucial to have this cultural knowledge. Fourth (the challenges and what is needed?), the challenges for improving participants’ knowledge came from personal and institutional levels. Fifth (what and how to learn?), participants advised that only CAM treatments that fit in brief psychotherapy sessions should be introduced in professional training. Conclusions: This qualitative study discovered that CAM was neither well-known nor understood widely. Participants advised that professional associations and health institutions should work together in enhancing knowledge of CAM and incorporating CAM education into psychology education.

Indonesian clinical psychologists’ perceptions of complementary and alternative medicine research and knowledge: a content analysis study

PurposeAs 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/approachA 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.FindingsIt 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/implicationsThese 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/valueThis 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.

Nurses’ communication regarding patients’ use of complementary and alternative medicine

Background: Many people integrate complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) into their health care. Nurses potentially play a significant role in communicating with patients about their CAM utilisation. Aim: The study aimed to explore whether, how and why nurses working in Australia communicate about patients’ CAM use. Methods: This paper reports on phase one of a mixed methods study. Qualitative data was obtained, via interviews, with nineteen registered nurses who work in a wide variety of clinical environments across all states of Australia. Findings: Four themes related to nurses’ communication with patients about CAM, were developed from the qualitative data; engaging with patients about CAM, communication with doctors about patients’ use of CAM, connecting with CAM practitioners and barriers to CAM communication. Discussion: Despite their positive attitudes, nurses are often not comfortable discussing or documenting patients’ CAM use. Furthermore, nurses perceive that patients may be apprehensive about disclosing their use. CAM communication with colleagues is moderated by the workplace culture and the perceived attitude of co-workers. There is very little evidence of nurses referring or collaborating with CAM practitioners. Professional expectation, time restraints and the nurses’ lack of relevant CAM knowledge all have a powerful effect on limiting CAM communication. Conclusion: Communication about patients’ use of CAM is imperative to support safe therapeutic decisions. Currently, this is limited in the Australian healthcare workplace. The nursing professional needs to consider introducing basic CAM education and flexible guidelines to enable nurses’ to respond appropriately to the patient driven demand for CAM.

Nurses' knowledge, clinical practice and attitude towards unconventional medicine: Implications for intercultural healthcare

ObjectiveThe aim of this hospital-based, cross-sectional study was to examine nurses' knowledge, personal and professional practices and attitude towards complementary and alternative medical therapies in urban Ghana. MethodUsing convenience sampling technique, cross-sectional data were collected from 210 registered and practicing nurses with self-administered questionnaire based on the Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) Health Belief Questionnaire (CHBQ). Descriptive statistics and the associations between variables were calculated using Pearson's Chi-square test and/or Fisher's exact test with p < 0.05. ResultsThe mean score of nurses' knowledge on CAM therapies was low (mean ± SD, 38.39 ± 10.11; possible range, 18–72) which was built on nurses' personal experiences. Nurses, therefore, lacked the confidence to recommend CAM therapies to patients. Despite the isolated cases of non-herbal supplements, relaxation techniques, massage and prayer healing, the study found an overall low personal use of CAM (mean ± SD, 32.97 ± 10.78; possible range, 18–72) among nurses over the last 12 months. Yet, nurses exhibited a positive attitude towards CAM (mean ± SD, 72.7 ± 12.5, possible range, 67–110). We observed significant associations among nurses' CAM knowledge and education [χ2 (2) = 6.69, p = 0.035] and religion [χ2 (2) = 7.96, p = 0.019]; nurses' personal use of CAM and income [χ2 (2) = 16.07, p < 0.001] and religion [χ2 (2) = 18.65, p < 0.001]; and nurses' clinical CAM use and income [χ2 (2) = 7.01, p = 0.030]. ConclusionDespite the overall positive attitude towards CAM therapies, Ghanaian nurses do not perceive themselves to have sufficient knowledge of CAM. Integrating CAM education into the nurses' training curriculum can improve CAM knowledge and professional practice among nurses, and in turn, enhance evidence-based patient care within the framework of intercultural healthcare system in Ghana.

Complementary and alternative medicine education in U.S. schools and colleges of pharmacy

IntroductionThe objective of this survey is to provide an update on the state of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) education and describe instructional and assessment methods across schools and colleges of pharmacy. MethodsOne hundred thirty-five schools of pharmacy were contacted to participate in a survey describing the incorporation of CAM education into their respective curricula. The survey also inquired about perceived barriers and future plans for CAM-related courses. ResultsNinety-six schools responded to the survey (71.1%), with all schools reporting that CAM is incorporated into the curriculum. Topics covered, teaching strategies, and assessment methods varied among the 74 elective and 116 required courses described. Respondents listed lack of evidence to support CAM use as the most common barrier to CAM education, and 50% of respondents reported plans for expansion of CAM education at their schools. ConclusionsCAM education in pharmacy curricula has grown over the last decade, but remains varied in topics taught and teaching methods.

The welcoming attitude of dermatologists towards complementary and alternative medicine despite their lack of knowledge and training

Background/aim: Although complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use is highly prevalent, there is very limited information on dermatologists’ attitudes and knowledge about CAM. In this survey, we aimed to study the knowledge and attitude of dermatologists in Saudi Arabia towards CAM. Furthermore, we assessed dermatologists' intention to receive CAM education and training. Methods and design: We collected data through an online cross-sectional survey sent to email addresses of dermatologists in Saudi Arabia. Questions included socio-demographic data, knowledge and attitudes towards CAM practice. Results: A total of 93 questionnaires were returned from dermatologists in various regions of Saudi Arabia. The mean age was 41.7±10.3 (range, 25–63) years. A total of 67% of dermatologists had welcoming attitudes towards CAM. We did not find any significant relationship between age, gender, experience or any other factor and positive attitudes towards CAM. More than 70% of participants reported an interest in learning about CAM. However, only 9 (9.7%) dermatologists had attended CAM courses. Sixty-one participants (65.6%) were eager to receive CAM-specific education, and 66% of dermatologists acknowledged having previously discussed CAM with their patients. The most important reason that dermatologists did not discuss CAM with their patients was a lack of studies supporting CAM (66.7%) and the belief that doctors’ knowledge on CAM is insufficient (58.1%). Conclusion: A greater number of dermatologists have an affirmative attitude towards CAM. The willingness to improve knowledge and training indicates that the CAM field could potentially grow in dermatology.

Medical student attitudes towards complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) in medical education: a critical review.

Background This paper aims to remedy a gap in the knowledge by presenting the first critical review of the literature on major themes relating to medical students perceptions and attitudes towards the exponentially growing field of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). MethodsAfter a comprehensive database search of the literature, 21 papers were chosen as suitable for the review. The results from these papers were tabled and discussed. ResultsThe results indicated that medical students lacked knowledge of CAM and are generally positive towards CAM education (especially in the preclinical years, if it provided evidence of efficacy and post-placement). Medical students thought that CAM should generally be incorporated into the medical curriculum mainly so they can confidently undertake referral to CAM practitioners. Being able to communicate with future patients about their CAM use was a major motivation for medical students to learn about CAM and a factor for medical student support of further incorporation of CAM content in the medical curricula. Educational exposure to CAM in many forms and in many papers was shown to significantly affect medical student attitudes to CAM. This may be reflective of the fact that, outside direct CAM training, there may be limited accessible opportunities for medical students and if integration is to occur, educational exposure is most important. ConclusionsThe rise of CAM as a social and clinical phenomenon necessitates consideration of further inclusion of these topics in the medical curriculum, if future physicians are to be able to fully discharge their role as care providers in an increasingly medically pluralistic world. However, the inclusion of CAM needs to be done in an objective and critical manner, which is relevant to the learner.

Use and interest in complementary and alternative medicine among college students seeking healthcare at a university campus student health center

BackgroundThere is growing data on complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) preferences among college students. While several studies have focused on undergraduate students, there is limited data on graduate students. Materials and methodsCross sectional analysis of undergraduate and graduate students seeking medical care at the University of California Irvine's Student Health Center (SHC). The survey assessed previous CAM use and preferences for future CAM use and education. ResultsThe majority (67.0%) had used CAM within the last year, 27.0% would use CAM for their current health condition, and 51.9% would consider CAM for their current health condition if they were more knowledgeable. Most respondents desired more CAM education and indicated that they would try CAM modalities if covered under insurance. ConclusionMost college students requested more knowledge to assist in their decisions to use CAM. These findings provide insight for health centers on the preferences of college student patients.

Use of herbs or vitamin/mineral/nutrient supplements by pediatric oncology patients

Use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is widespread and increasing. We sought to study the frequency and factors affecting of its use in children with cancer. We designed a questionnaire that was administered to the parents of children between September 2013 and March 2014. A total of 74 patients were enrolled into the study. Fifty patients (67.5%) had used one or more than one type of herbs or vitamin/mineral/nutrient. The most commonly used CAM treatment was grape molasses (36.6%). The main source of information to families was the internet. No correlation found between the use of CAM and parents' education status, the level of income, socioeconomic status, chemotherapy treatment. Patients with cancer highly tended to use CAM treatment without informing healthcare professionals. The integration of complementary methods to the conventional treatments is interesting and seem to respond to the needs of patients allowing a more comprehensive approach to care.

Challenges and opportunities in integrating complementary and alternative medicine into mainstream of the Malaysian healthcare system

Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) practice is still popular among the Malaysian population nowadays although western or allopathic medicine is the first line of treatment. Dissatisfaction with health services and therapeutic effects of western medicine or preference for holistic, integrative approach in treatment are common reasons favouring the increasing popularity of CAM practices. The efforts toward integration of CAM and western medicine in Malaysia were rather slow and in a piec-meal fashion. Strategic efforts in strengthening government and self-regulation among practitioners, formalizing education, promoting research, and cultivating national and international networks are necessary to achieve an integrative system. Regulations to restrict the practice and sale of CAM products to licensed practitioners, strict and mandatory registration of the practitioners, inclusion of CAM in essential medicines list, and pricing regulations must be comprehensively discussed. Development of curriculum, offers of scholarship and incentives, promotion of courses and seminars for professionals is necessary to increase the numbers of CAM experts. Malaysia should follow the efforts of other countries on the production and documentation of local CAM data, allocation of funding, and establishment of research centres to assess the efficacy of potentially useful local products. Local and international collaboration in research and continuous education is important for exchange of knowledge and skills. In conclusion more coordinated efforts in regulation of CAM practice and products, formalizing CAM training and education would significantly move the process forward and allow the public to enjoy more health benefits from CAM practice in Malaysia.