Field Of Complementary And Alternative Medicine Research Articles

The Prevalent Use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine Among Patients With Chronic Disease in the Al-Madinah Population of Saudi Arabia.

Global interest in complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) has recently risen, particularly in Saudi Arabia, and the use of CAM is gaining popularity as a healthcare option. This study aims to assess the prevalence of CAM use among patients with chronic diseases and identify the reasons for resorting to CAM in Al-Madinah, Saudi Arabia. A cross-sectional study was conducted in Al-Madinah City. Data for analysis were derived from 416 participants with chronic diseases. The data were collected using a valid, structured online questionnaire that was designed to extract socio-demographic data as well as data on the predominant use of herps, hijama (cupping), acupuncture, and other specific CAM applications. The collected data were analyzed using appropriate statistical methods. Of the 416 participants, 164 (39.4%) were men, and 96.9% were Saudi citizens. Approximately one-third of the studied participants had diabetes (34.1%), while 29.3%, 25.2%, 15.1%, and 12.3% had hypertension, obesity, asthma, and gastrointestinal tract disease, respectively. The prevalence of herb and natural supplement use was 89.2%. The most commonly used herbs and natural supplements were ginger (55.5%), honey and its derivatives (53.4%), cinnamon (45.4%), and frankincense (33.4%). Of the studied participants, 36.1% and 6.5% reported undergoing cupping and acupuncture, respectively. No statistically significant differences were found between the use of herbs and acupuncture or any of the studied factors. Further, the use of acupuncture exhibited no significant differences. However, the use of cupping displayed statistically significant differences in age, sex, and income among the participants. The prevalence of CAM use among patients with chronic diseases in Al-Madinah is high. It appears to play an essential role in health care, particularly in treating patients with chronic diseases in this population. Therefore, promoting research in the field of CAM is warranted.

Use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine and its Related Factors Among Pregnant Women in Shiraz, South of Iran: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Women are known to use Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) during pregnancy despite the subsequent potential unknown effects associated with its use. This study was performed to evaluate the use of CAM products and its related factors among pregnant women in Shiraz, Iran. This cross-sectional study of 365 pregnant women referred to obstetrics clinics affiliated to Shiraz University of Medical Sciences (Iran) was conducted in 2020. Sampling was performed in all three affiliated centers based on a probability, proportional to size protocol. Pregnant women were nominated using a systematic random sampling scheme using their health record numbers. A 20-item questionnaire was administered via in-person interviews and data on demographics, use of CAM products, reasons for use, and referral and information sources were collected. Binary logistic regression was applied and adjusted odds ratios were estimated. CAM use was reported for recent pregnancies by 56.92% of participating women, with a significantly higher use in participants of low socioeconomic status (Chi21 = 5.12; p < 0.024). The main reason for CAM use was having faith in the efficacy of CAM (72.73%). Reported CAM use was restricted to herbal preparations. Most of the women who used CAM (73.0%) did not report their CAM use to their doctor. There is a high rate of CAM use among pregnant women. More maternal care services during current pregnancy, parity, and general and pregnancy-related history of CAM use were correlated with CAM use. Mother-healthcare provider relationship should be improved in the field of CAM.

The Impact of Complementary and Alternative Medicine on Insomnia: A Systematic Review.

Insomnia is characterized by difficulty in maintaining sleep and early morning awakenings. Although pharmacotherapies and psychological interventions remain essential for conventional treatment, motivational factors and interest in using complementary and alternative therapies for insomnia have developed over the last two decades. This review aims to comprehensively explore the effects of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) on improving sleep quality to guide evidence-based clinical decision-making and inform future research. Several electronic databases such as MEDLINE, PubMed, Scopus, EMBASE, Clinical key, Cochrane, and Research gate were explored to search the relevant articles. For the systematic review, CAM studies were classified under "manual practices," "natural practices," and "mind-body practices." A total of 35 clinical trials were selected for inclusion in the systematic review, comprising adult samples. The systematic review revealed 11 RCTs with manual practice, 12 with mind-body practice, and 12 with natural medicine practice. The methodological quality of the RCTs was measured using the modified Jadad scale, a scientific quality index of ≥ 5/10 (on the augmented Jadad scale). Effect sizes (Cohen’s d) were calculated and reported in all placebo-controlled studies with the available data. Regardless of systematic reviews, and randomized controlled trials on CAM, acupuncture, acupressure, herbal medicine, yoga, and tai chi, for insomnia, most of the RCTs did not agree with the findings. Further RCT for insomnia should be developed by considering the current advanced studies in the field of CAM.

The development of the complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) concept in Bulgaria – introducing a mixed-methods design

Introduction: The complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is an innovative and dynamic scientific field in Europe. CAM refers to a group of systems and practices, considered outside the field of conventional medicine, which today, together with health promotion and medical education, are united in the integrative medicine idea. Aim: The aim of this publication is to present the design of mixed-methods research that investigates the development of CAM in Bulgaria. Materials and Methods: A convergent parallel mixed-methods design is applied, which consists of three separate parallel phases with equal priority, the data of which are subsequently integrated. The first phase examines CAM in a historical, international and national context. The classical SWOT analysis is applied as a tool for assessment of CAM in Bulgaria. During the second phase (observational multicenter study of chronically ill homeopathic patients), quantitative data was collected using a standardized instrument for subjective health assessment, EQ-5D-3L – Bulgarian version. The third phase involves qualitative research through semi-structured interviews. The target population is parents who have chosen to cure their children with homeopathy. Conclusion : The presented mix-methods design has been the initiating step of a research project that collects and disseminates solid scientific data on the development of the CAM field in our country. Bulgaria is no longer an "unchartered territory" on the CAM map of Europe. The research continues in the context of the integrative medicine idea, enabling synergetic interactions between all scientifically based educational, preventive and therapeutic approaches in the name of better health and quality of life.

Devices of Difference: On the Socio-Material Forms and Effects of Technologies in Complementary and Alternative Medicine

ABSTRACTDespite the widespread view that complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is a ‘natural’ and low-tech form of healthcare, by contrast with biomedicine, there are numerous devices used in the field of CAM that employ electricity as a diagnostic and therapeutic agent. These devices bring together different types and sources of knowledge, Western and Eastern theories, and expert and lay hands. They foreground complex psychosomatic, social, and environmental relations in which the patient’s body and well-being are constituted. They are used to address biomedicine’s iatrogenic effects and its indifference to specific bodily processes and entities (such as meridians or parasites). In effect they challenge, extend, and reinterpret biomedicine, thereby becoming one of the mediators between it and CAM. Although these devices are sought out by patients and used effectively by CAM practitioners, their ontological choreography and radius can become precarious in a healthcare system dominated by biomedicine. Different CAM devices then deal with the realities of biomedicine in different ways. While some modes of practising CAM devices are inclusive of biomedicine and carefully experiment with the realities it has inscribed in patients’ bodies, others reject biomedicine altogether.

Which risk understandings can be derived from the current disharmonized regulation of complementary and alternative medicine in Europe?

BackgroundMany European citizens are seeking complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). These treatments are regulated very differently in the EU/EFTA countries. This may demonstrate differences in how risk associated with the use of CAM is perceived. Since most CAM treatments are practiced fairly similarly across Europe, differing risk understandings may influence patient safety for European CAM users. The overall aim of this article is thus to contribute to an overview and awareness of possible differing risk understandings in the field of CAM at a policymaking/structural level in Europe.MethodsThe study is a re-analysis of data collected in the CAMbrella EU FP7 document and interview study on the regulation of CAM in 39 European countries.The 12 CAM modalities included in the CAMbrella study were ranked with regard to assumed risk potential depending on the number of countries limiting its practice to regulated professions. The 39 countries were ranked according to how many of the included CAM modalities they limit to be practiced by regulated professions.ResultsTwelve of 39 countries generally understand the included CAM treatments to represent “high risk”, 20 countries “low risk”, while the remaining 7 countries understand CAM treatments as carrying “very little or no risk”. The CAM modalities seen as carrying a risk high enough to warrant professional regulation in the highest number of countries are chiropractic, acupuncture, massage, homeopathy and osteopathy.The countries understanding most of the CAM modalities in the study as potentially high-risk treatments are with two exceptions (Portugal and Belgium) all concentrated in the southeastern region of Europe.ConclusionThe variation in regulation of CAM may represent a substantial lack of common risk understandings between health policymakers in Europe. We think the discrepancies in regulation are to a considerable degree also based on factors unrelated to patient risk. We argue that it is important for patient safety that policy makers across Europe address this confusing situation. This could be done by applying the WHO patient safety definitions and EU’s policy to facilitate access to “safe and high-quality healthcare”, and regulate CAM accordingly.

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.

Economic Evaluation of Complementary and Alternative Medicine in Oncology: Is There a Difference Compared to Conventional Medicine?

Objective: To analyze the financial burden of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) in cancer treatment. Materials and Methods: Based on a systematic search of the literature (Medline and the Cochrane Library, combining the MeSH terms ‘complementary therapies', ‘neoplasms', ‘costs', ‘cost analysis', and ‘cost-benefit analysis'), an expert panel discussed different types of analyses and their significance for CAM in oncology. Results: Of 755 publications, 43 met our criteria. The types of economic analyses and their parameters discussed for CAM in oncology were cost, cost-benefit, cost-effectiveness, and cost-utility analyses. Only a few articles included arguments in favor of or against these different methods, and only a few arguments were specific for CAM because most CAM methods address a broad range of treatment aim parameters to assess effectiveness and are hard to define. Additionally, the choice of comparative treatments is difficult. To evaluate utility, healthy subjects may not be adequate as patients with a life-threatening disease and may be judged differently, especially with respect to a holistic treatment approach. We did not find any arguments in the literature that were directed at the economic analysis of CAM in oncology. Therefore, a comprehensive approach assessment based on criteria from evidence-based medicine evaluating direct and indirect costs is recommended. Conclusion: The usual approaches to conventional medicine to assess costs, benefits, and effectiveness seem adequate in the field of CAM in oncology. Additionally, a thorough deliberation on the comparator, endpoints, and instruments is mandatory for designing studies.

Shiatsu practitioners: Forging a path through a landscape of practice

This thesis is an exploratory study of Shiatsu as a distinct type of healthcare practice. Situated within the sociology of the professions as the wider academic context, this study focuses on Shiatsu practitioners and the process of professionalisation in relation to complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). Neo-Weberian theory is used to examine the field of CAM, highlighting its marginalisation by the medical profession. What counts as legitimate knowledge is raised as an important question in relation to the process of professionalisation and CAM. Ethnography and narrative inquiry form the basis of the methodological approach. My experiences as a Shiatsu practitioner gave me ‘deep familiarity’ in the field of my research and I examine the challenges in this respect and discuss reflexivity as a methodological tool. The recruitment strategy led to a spectrum of participants’ experiences across a broad temporal dimension and I argue this is a particular strength of the study. Concepts of ‘social positioning’ and ‘turning points’ provide important theoretical considerations of the analytic framework. The data-led chapters collectively form a trajectory of participants’ pathways through a ‘landscape of practice’. These chapters highlight key tensions and turning points in relation to the trajectory of ‘Getting into Shiatsu’ and ‘Getting out there to practise Shiatsu’, particularly in respect of the status of knowledge and earning a living as a Shiatsu practitioner. These tensions are discussed in the context of professionalisation, and highlight some of the wider structural factors -for example the interface of Shiatsu with the NHS, other CAM practices as well as society in general. The issue of marginalisation provides a connection between Etienne Wenger-Trayner’s concept of landscapes of practice and neo-Weberian theory in relation to CAM practices. The experiences of participants in this study are potentially relevant to other practitioners not only in other marginalised emerging professions but also practitioners in more established professions.

Complementary therapies for acne vulgaris.

Complementary therapies for acne vulgaris.

Complementary and alternative medicine in cancer prevention and therapy.

Although there have been great achievements in the battle against cancer over the past decades, cancer is still the leading cause of death in developing countries like China. Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), especially traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), usually having good clinical tolerability, is applied as an adjuvant therapy to treat cancer in China based on TCM or modern pharmacological theories. In the west, CAM has increasingly become popular in cancer patients. It is estimated that the United States National Cancer Institute (NCI) spends around $120 million each year on complementary and alternative medicine related research projects. However, a fact is that although a lot of CAMs are widely used clinically, most evidence supporting their use came from poorly reported published clinical studies or studies with questionable methodology. Call for high quality evidence is a mission of this special issue. This issue on CAM for treatment or prevention of cancer compiles 13 exciting manuscripts, most of which reporting the efficacy and possible mechanisms of action of CAM or active constituents on cancer prevention and/or therapy in clinical and experimental levels. S. S. M. Fong et al. contributed high quality evidence about Tai Chi Qigong Training for balance performance in irradiated survivors of nasopharyngeal cancer by a well-designed, well-conducted, and well-reported randomized controlled trial. Totally 120 senior adults participated in the study voluntarily. In this cross-sectional exploratory study, they have done very well on the ethics issues including protocol approval by ethical committee, properly informed consent, and high quality methodological issues, including the randomization method and allocation procedure, the recruitment of patients, the data management, the analysis method of results. All of the procedures were conducted according to the Declaration of Helsinki. This transparency makes readers confident to trust the result of the study. This is the first study to show that participating survivors of NPC had inferior OLS balance performances in all of the visual and supporting surface conditions compared with age-matched healthy counterparts. TC Qigong might be a potential rehabilitation exercise to improve the somatosensory function and single-leg standing balance performance of survivors of NPC. The shortcoming of this study is that it uses a convenience sample which may have introduced a self-selection bias that may threaten the internal validity of the study. In addition, homogenous subject group, small sample size, and OLS clinical test for balance performance assessment may limit the generalizability of results. However, we still believe that this study and its report could be a good evidence for efficacy of CAMs. This edition also includes a review that discusses the possibility of TCM as maintenance therapy for advanced nonsmall cell lung cancer. The review concludes that TCM as maintenance therapy can improve the QOL and prolong the PFS of advanced NSCLC patients. Besides, TCM can be applied for NSCLC patients not limited in population selection. However, there are only small sample clinical trials about TCM as maintenance therapy for advanced NSCLC. More large-scale trials of TCM as maintenance therapy for advanced NSCLC are expected. For experimental study, A. Movahedi et al. investigated the capability of the decoction of Teucrium polium L. from Lamiaceae family to protect liver cells against hepatocellular carcinoma in carcinogenesis-induced animal model. After 28 weeks of treatment, they found that serum biochemical markers (ALT, AST, AFP, GGT, ALP, HCY, TNF-α, α2MG, and CBG), total antioxidant status, liver lesion, and glucocorticoid activity were all regulated auspiciously by Teucrium polium L. Y. Lin et al. studied that elemene, a compound found in an herb used in traditional Chinese medicine, has the effect of protecting cancer cells from death either in apatinib induced nutrient deficient environment or in serum-free induced starvation. Further data on the mechanism study revealed that elemene induced protective autophagy and prevented human hematoma cancer cells from undergoing apoptosis. In addition to the mentioned papers above, other studies included in this issue provide sufficient scientific evidence from CAM research to clarify their mechanism of action and demonstrate their efficacy and safety. Through the rigorous researches, the benefits of CAM therapies will be highlighted, and this will support the clinical use of CAMs and help integrating CAM into the mainstream medicine. We hope that this special issue informs us about the rationale use of CAM in cancer prevention and therapy. We also hope that the papers included in this issue play a role in reflecting the recent advancement in the field of CAM. Peng Cao Senthamil R. Selvan Esra Kupeli Akkol Ning Wang Hongjun Yang Xiaolan Cheng

Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) in obstetrics and gynaecology: a survey of office-based obstetricians and gynaecologists regarding attitudes towards CAM, its provision and cooperation with other CAM providers in the state of Hesse, Germany.

Whereas we have some information on complementary medicine in the field of oncology, little is known about complementary medicine in the field of obstetrics and gynaecology especially outside of hospitals. All office-based obstetricians and gynaecologists in the state of Hesse, Germany, were contacted and asked to fill in an assessment form regarding cooperation in the field of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), as well as the perceived efficacy of various CAM methods for a number of pathological conditions in the field of obstetrics and gynaecology. It was found that more than half of Hessian office-based obstetricians and gynaecologists had existing cooperation regarding CAM, especially with colleagues, but also midwives, pharmacists, physiotherapists, and health practitioners. The probability of cooperation was significantly inversely associated with age. It was found that the probability for advising CAM differed between various health problems. The following CAM methods were considered reasonable for the treatment of different conditions: phytotherapy for climacteric complaints and premenstrual syndrome; homoeopathy for puerperal problems; acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine for complaints during pregnancy; and dietary supplements for the side effects of cancer therapy. The analysis shows that there is much cooperation in the field of CAM. Comparison between physicians' perceived efficacy of CAM methods and objective findings shows that there is a need for the provision of valid information in the field.

Role of complementary and alternative medicine in controlling dyslipidemia.

Role of complementary and alternative medicine in controlling dyslipidemia.

Bibliometric and content analysis of the Cochrane Complementary Medicine Field specialized register of controlled trials

BackgroundThe identification of eligible controlled trials for systematic reviews of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) interventions can be difficult. To increase access to these difficult to locate trials, the Cochrane Collaboration Complementary Medicine Field (CAM Field) has established a specialized register of citations of CAM controlled trials. The objective of this study is to describe the sources and characteristics of citations included in the CAM Field specialized register.MethodsBetween 2006 and 2011, regular searches for citations of CAM trials in MEDLINE and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) were supplemented with contributions of controlled trial citations from international collaborators. The specialized register was ‘frozen’ for analysis in 2011, and frequencies were calculated for publication date, language, journal, presence in MEDLINE, type of intervention, and type of medical condition.ResultsThe CAM Field specialized register increased in size from under 5,000 controlled trial citations in 2006 to 44,840 citations in 2011. Most citations (60%) were from 2000 or later, and the majority (71%) were reported in English; the next most common language was Chinese (23%). The journals with the greatest number of citations were CAM journals published in Chinese and non-CAM nutrition journals published in English. More than one-third of register citations (36%) were not indexed in MEDLINE. The most common CAM intervention type in the register was non-vitamin, non-mineral dietary supplements (e.g., glucosamine, fish oil) (34%), followed by Chinese herbal medicines (e.g., Astragalus membranaceus, Schisandra chinensis) (27%).ConclusionsThe availability of the CAM Field specialized register presents both opportunities and challenges for CAM systematic reviewers. While the register provides access to thousands of difficult to locate trial citations, many of these trials are of low quality and may overestimate treatment effects. When including these trials in systematic reviews, adequate analysis of their risk of bias is of utmost importance.

How to locate and appraise qualitative research in complementary and alternative medicine.

BackgroundThe aim of this publication is to present a case study of how to locate and appraise qualitative studies for the conduct of a meta-ethnography in the field of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). CAM is commonly associated with individualized medicine. However, one established scientific approach to the individual, qualitative research, thus far has been explicitly used very rarely. This article demonstrates a case example of how qualitative research in the field of CAM studies was identified and critically appraised.MethodsSeveral search terms and techniques were tested for the identification and appraisal of qualitative CAM research in the conduct of a meta-ethnography. Sixty-seven electronic databases were searched for the identification of qualitative CAM trials, including CAM databases, nursing, nutrition, psychological, social, medical databases, the Cochrane Library and DIMDI.Results9578 citations were screened, 223 articles met the pre-specified inclusion criteria, 63 full text publications were reviewed, 38 articles were appraised qualitatively and 30 articles were included. The search began with PubMed, yielding 87% of the included publications of all databases with few additional relevant findings in the specific databases. CINHAL and DIMDI also revealed a high number of precise hits. Although CAMbase and CAM-QUEST® focus on CAM research only, almost no hits of qualitative trials were found there. Searching with broad text terms was the most effective search strategy in all databases.ConclusionsThis publication presents a case study on how to locate and appraise qualitative studies in the field of CAM. The example shows that the literature search for qualitative studies in the field of CAM is most effective when the search is begun in PubMed followed by CINHAL or DIMDI using broad text terms. Exclusive CAM databases delivered no additional findings to locate qualitative CAM studies.

Reply to the correspondence letter by Meyer et al. ‘Complementary and alternative medicine in children’

We appreciate the interest shown in our paper [1] by Dr. Meyer and colleagues. The authors describe in their letter an interesting analysis of all Cochrane reviews in the field of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use in children. We agree with the authors that there is a great need for high-quality research in the field of CAM in the pediatric population. The results of this systematic review give insight to the current recommendations on CAM therapy, which is the first step in providing adequate information to parents who would like to visit a CAM therapist with their child or initiate an over-the-counter CAM therapy. The authors mentioned they found 7 reviews that recommended a certain intervention as well as 14 reviews which concluded that certain interventions should not be performed. We would like to encourage the authors to describe these 21 reviews in more detail in order to help pediatricians and pediatric oncologists provide more specific and evidence-based information to parents. The large number of inconclusive reviews based on the quality of the studies is striking. This underlines our conclusion that adequately conducted and high-quality research of CAM interventions in the pediatric population is highly needed.

Experts’ opinions on terminology for complementary and integrative medicine – a qualitative study with leading experts

BackgroundIntegrative medicine (IM) is currently the most commonly used term to describe the integration of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) into conventional medicine. In the definitions of IM the most important feature is the focus on evidence as crucial factor for therapeutic decision-making. However, there are discussions on the term “integrative medicine” with the most notable critique from within CAM that it describes the integration of complementary methods into conventional institutions and into a “conventional framework of thinking”. The aim of this qualitative study was to understand the thoughts of leading experts on IM and on the scientific debate in the field as well as their personal opinions about terminology in general.MethodsWe have conducted semi-standardized interviews with ten leading experts in the field of CAM and integrative medicine in the USA, England, and Germany, who have had leading positions at medical schools or the NIH in 2010 and 2011. Interviews were recorded, transcribed and analyzed using content analysis with the qualitative analysis software maxqda.ResultsOverall the current terminology was seen as a problem, although most experts agreed that the term “integrative medicine” (IM) described well what they do or they think is useful for medical care. The terminology debate was discussed from four perspectives: 1) from the perspective of medical practice, 2) from the perspective of research, 3) from the perspective of public relations, and 4) from the perspective of health care delivery. These perspectives may be used to evaluate the appropriateness of different terms in use in the field. When interviewees discussed the terminology question, they also discussed the type of health care system they envisioned. Such reflections led the interviewees to caution about too narrow a focus on the terminology question. The question of naming was one about influencing and changing medicine.ConclusionThe discussion of the experts demonstrated that the discussion about terminology is an important debate about the shaping of medicine. The experts discussed terminology in the light of "how health care systems" should look like in the future.

A qualitative study on the term CAM: is there a need to reinvent the wheel?

BackgroundAs complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) has developed extensively, uncertainty about the appropriateness of the terms CAM and other CAM-related terms has grown both in the research and practice communities. Various terms and definitions have been proposed over the last three decades, highlighting how little agreement exits in the field. Contextual use of current terms and their respective definitions needs to be discussed and addressed.MethodsRelying upon the results of a large international Delphi survey on the adequacy of the term CAM, a focus group of 13 international experts in the field of CAM was held. A forum was also set up for 28 international experts to discuss and refine proposed definitions of both CAM and integrative healthcare (IHC) terms. Audio recordings of the meeting and forum discussion threads were analyzed using interpretive description.ResultsMultiple terms to describe the therapies, products, and disciplines often referred to as CAM, were considered. Even though participants generally agreed there is a lack of optimal definitions for popular CAM-related umbrella terms and that all terms that have so far been introduced are to some extent problematic, CAM and IHC remained the most popular and accepted terms by far. The names of the specific disciplines were also deemed adequate in certain contexts. Focus group participants clarified the context in which those three terms are appropriate. Existing and emergent definitions of both CAM and integrative healthcare terms were discussed.ConclusionsCAM and other related terms could be used more effectively, provided they are used in the proper context. It appears difficult for the time being to reach a consensus on the definition of the term CAM due to the uncertainty of the positioning of CAM in the contemporary healthcare systems. While umbrella terms such as CAM and IHC are useful in the context of research, policy making and education, relevant stakeholders should limit the use of those terms.

The PedCAM Network: Past, present, and future

Established in 2004, the Pediatric Complementary and Alternative Medicine Research & Education (PedCAM) Network (www.pedcam.ca) is a multidisciplinary national and international network focused on pediatric research and education with the vision of safe and effective use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use in children and youth and is designed to be a networking and information resource for both researchers and practitioners in the field of pediatric CAM. PedCAM offers a wide variety of resources and opportunities to researchers, clinicians, educators and the general public: educational, and funding opportunities; links to core articles and books; a searchable database of pediatric CAM research articles; biweekly electronic updates for members. Currently, it is engaged in several research projects to strengthen the pediatric CAM knowledge base: (i) a modified Delphi consensus process for establishing a pediatric CAM research agenda; (ii) the identification of validated pediatric outcome measures; and (iii) a synthesis of pediatric CAM utilization studies to identify knowledge gaps. The widespread use of CAM in children, and the resulting need for high quality research and education, suggests that the PedCAM Network will remain relevant and timely in its efforts to connect those working in the field of pediatric CAM in Canada and around the world.

Bibliometric analysis of complementary and alternative medicine research over three decades

This study applies bibliometric analysis to investigate the quantity and citation impact of scientific papers in the field of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). The data are collected from 19 CAM journals in the Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-E) database during 1980–2009, and 17,002 papers are identified for analysis. The study analyzes the document types, geographical and institutional distribution of the authorship, including international scientific collaboration. This study suggests that the major type of document is original article. The CAM papers are mostly published by North America, East Asia, and European countries, of which publications authored in East Asia are cited most. Country-wise, major contributors of CAM papers are from USA, People’s Republic of China, India, England and Germany. India has the highest CPP value, attracting high attentions in CAM community. This article also finds that international co-authorship in the CAM field has increased rapidly during this period. In addition, internationally collaborated publications generate higher citation impact than papers published by authors from single country. Finally, the research identifies productive institutions in CAM, and China Medical University located in Taiwan is the most productive organization.