Use Of CAM Therapies Research Articles

Music for Management of Pain and Promotion of Sleep and Relaxation

PROBLEM: Due to identification of HealthCare's contributions to the opioid crisis in the US, there is an increasing interest in the use of CAM therapies to replace and/or augment traditional pharmacologic interventions for patients experiencing acute or chronic pain conditions. However, few nurses have received adequate instruction on how to use many of these interventions. Background: Based upon the literature, the CAM intervention with some of the most compelling evidence suggests that music-listening as a nurse administered or nurse taught and self-administered intervention offers relief of pain, and promotes sleep and relaxation in patients who suffer from painful conditions.

Quackery in Diabetes – Time to Act

Diabetes irrespective of its type is a lifelong disease, and when left undiagnosed, untreated, or poorly controlled, diabetes leads to severe complications predominantly arising from persistent hyperglycemia along with other contributing factors including hypoglycemia, dyslipidemia, hypertension, and obesity. With the complexity of therapies, the necessity of monitoring and the daily routines to be followed along with diet and lifestyle modifications, most patients are worn out at some point and move to unproven easy remedies. Several systematic reviews have been published that assessed the impact and efficacy of various “complementary and alternative medicine” (CAM) therapies on preventing and treating diabetes. CAM practices and practitioners, underdeveloped research, poor quality of clinical trials, false claims and fake publicity, absence of proper communication with health practitioners, etc., are all known to be contributing risk factors toward the failure of CAM therapies. It is crucial that health-care professionals be aware of the increase in the number of patients who resort to CAM practices. With the use of CAM therapies among diabetes patients being prevalent, care providers are encouraged to consider their potential risks and benefits. Modern health-care practitioners need to be aware of these practices and be prepared to counsel such patients, when needed, about the available options. They should be able to assess as well as present information to the patients regarding the expected risks, side effects, benefits, and choices regarding self-management and the cost to the patient, helping them to make an informed choice. This review article brings up the issues concerning the scientifically unproven practices with a focus on the population with diabetes.

PIH56 PLACE OF COMPLEMENTARY MEDICINES AND OPPORTUNITIES IN THE MANAGEMENT OF GYNECOLOGICAL CANCER PATIENTS

Nearly 530,000 women have been diagnosedwith cervical cancer, which is the fourth most common cancerousdisease worldwide, and there are about 1200 new cases ofovarian cancer occurring annually in Hungary. The aim of theresearch is to assess the quality of life of gynecological cancerpatients and the use of CAM methods among them. In a quantitative,longitudinal research data collection was between May and August 2016. atPTE Obstetrics and Gynecology Clinic, Oncology Departmentand Ambulatory by using self-constructedquestionnaire and standard questionnaires (CBI-B, CES-D, FACT-G).Following random sampling,patients diagnosed with gynecological cancer over the age of 18, whoare currently on active treatment (chemotherapy, radiation therapy,others) and patients who used a CAM method before and / orafter the diagnosis were chosen. We used descriptivestatistics, χ2-probe and T-test (p<0.05), to analyze dataMicrosoft Office Excel. Hair loss during treatments at oncology unit wassignificantly higher (76%) than in the control group - other gynecological cancers (45%) (χ=11.11 p=0.004). In the case group (cervical and ovarium cancers) significantly (χ=6.59 p=0.037)more patient (64%) received active treatment, compared with thosewho were in the control group (45%); and hair loss in the case group significantly (χ=22.40 p=0.013)occurred more frequently (63%) than in the control sample (23%).CAM users had a higher median score, although there were no significancy (CBI-B:χ=0.40 p=0.53 / CES-D:χ=0.01 p=0.90 / FACT-G: χ=0.01 p=0.90). Quality of life of gynecological cancer patients issignificantly affected by the side effects of treatment, which could beeffectively alleviated by the use of various CAM therapies. By makingCAM therapies available, we could improve the quality of life and care ofpatients, even at the nursing level.

Use of complementary and alternative medicine and quality of life of cancer patients who received chemotherapy in Turkey

ObjectivesThis study aims to evaluate the frequency of use of CAM therapies among cancer patients, the types of CAM therapies they used, the demographic and clinical factors affecting their tendency to use CAM therapies, and the difference between quality of life of CAM user and non-user patients. DesignThis cross-sectional study was carried out between March and June 2016 in an education and research hospital located in Mugla, Turkey. A CAM use questionnaire, the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer-Quality of Life Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-C30 version 3.0) and the Nightingale Symptom Assessment Scale (N-SAS) were administered to 211 patients. ResultsAmong all the participating patients, 46.4% were CAM users. The most commonly used CAM therapy was herbal products. The rate of CAM use was higher among the patients with a low education level (P = 0.004). No statistically significant difference was found between the quality-of-life scores of the CAM user and non-user patients. ConclusionAlmost half of the cancer patients used CAM therapy, with the most commonly used CAM therapy being herbal products. Doctors/nurses should assess patients in terms of the CAM therapies they use to determine their possible side effects and drug interactions. Further research should be performed to determine the relationship between CAM therapy and quality of life.

Qualitative Analysis of Pediatric Patient and Caregiver Perspectives After Recent Diagnosis With Inflammatory Bowel Disease

PurposeA diagnosis of a chronic illness is a life-altering experience for a child and his or her family. The purpose of this study was to elicit children and parent perspectives following a diagnosis of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). Design & MethodsA qualitative description design was employed. Eighteen patients were recruited from a Pediatric IBD Clinic in Western Canada. Interviews were used to gather perceptions, opinions, and attitudes from children and their parents. Transcriptions of the interviews were analyzed using a qualitative content analysis. ResultsFour themes were identified: perspective of diagnosis, roles in care and decision-making, sharing the diagnosis, and treating the disease. Children and parents expressed varied emotions in response to diagnosis. Families articulated the desire to become more active members in the decision-making process on treatment choices. While using conventional medical therapy was seen as an appropriate choice for short-term therapy, many parents hoped that more non-conventional and alternative therapies could be used in the future. ConclusionHealthcare providers need to provide excellent education on the disease process, treatment options, and the use of CAM therapy in IBD, while at the same time supporting children and parent's voices in treatment decisions. Practice ImplicationsImprovement strategies need to be implemented to allow families to feel that they have a voice when making decisions regarding treatment options. Families need to be educated and supported on the use of CAM therapies in IBD.

Self-reported Use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine among Moroccan Women with Breast Cancer

The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence, types, sociodemographic and clinical-related factors of complementary and alternative medicine use among Moroccan women with breast cancer. A cross-sectional study was carried out at the National Institute of Oncology in Rabat. 400 patients with breast cancer were recruited for face-to-face interviews. Data were collected using a questionnaire addressing personal/medical characteristics and the use of CAM therapies. 88.5% of women used at least one CAM therapy, 73.2% of them reported began to use CAM at the onset of breast cancer symptoms. Type of CAM commonly used were prayers, listening and/or reading the Koran and use of naturel products like honey or fenugreek. High education level was independent factors related to CAM use. Interventions should be focused on open communication and further researches are needed to explore the safety and the outcome of CAM use.

Usage of complementary and alternative medicine: A survey among Indian dental professionals

ObjectiveCAM therapies are used along with standard medical care. Though there are various medical evidences to prove the effectiveness of CAM therapies in managing medical problems, the evidence for the dental application are still lacking in India. This could be attributed to the non-availability or the insufficient knowledge regarding the use of CAM in dentistry. Hence it is necessary to obtain the baseline knowledge regarding the use of CAM therapies among dentists. MethodCross sectional questionnaire based survey. ResultsThere were mixed attitudes towards CAM approaches in dental practices. Lack of clinical knowledge and exposure during their graduation and inadequate scientific evidence can be attributed to their hesitation in practicing the CAM. ConclusionThough interested, dental practitioners were still cautious in putting CAM into clinical practice. Only very few dentist used CAM therapies and they limited their use to topical application for oral problems.

Prescription medication use in a chiropractic training clinic: Cause for vigilance

PurposeThe concurrent use of CAM therapies with traditional allopathic medical practice is increasing. This study investigates the concurrent use of prescription medication in patients attending a chiropractic student teaching clinic for the first time. The need for practitioners to be aware of the side effects of prescribed medication patients are using is discussed. MethodsCross-sectional study of 1008 new patient consultations at a university chiropractic teaching clinic. Results549 prescription medications being used by 330 patients were included in the analysis. A total of 104 individual medications were identified of which 69 listed headache as a potential side effect of their use. 57 of 116 (49%) of patients seeking care for the treatment of headache were concurrently using these medications. ConclusionsPatients presenting to the university chiropractic teaching clinic may be seeking care for symptoms attributed to prescription medication. The requirement that practitioners be aware of the side effects of prescribed medication patients are using is raised.

ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE;

From ancient times, humankind has used self-created traditional methods for handling the illnesses and continues to use them along with modern medicine. Even today, more than 70% of the world’s population still depends on the complementary and alternative systems of medicine (CAM). The objective of this study is to create awareness of health hazards with the use of CAM therapies and to find out its utility among Pakistani population. Comprehensive questionnaire was developed for the study on the use of CAM and was distributed to 470 patients/attendants in different hospitals of Lahore as well as major hospitals and clinical setups in the peripheral regions of Lahore, Pakistan. Over all, the response rate of the study was 81.7% while 78.1 % population found as CAM user. The most common type of alternative medicine used by patients is from Hakeem (Natural Therapist) which is about 17% and the most frequent disease for which patients often go for CAM therapy is liver diseases (19%). Respondents found inclined towards CAM only due to its marketed false benefits and not because of their dissatisfaction with conventional therapy. Conclusions: A noteworthy population of Pakistan is using CAM therapies from different practitioners, irrespective of any education and awareness about their disease and long-term drawbacks because of improper treatment of the disease. Though adverse events due to the use of CAM therapy are not unusual still a delay in the proper treatment usually ends up in serious consequences and even loss of lives.

Interface, interaction and integration: how people with chronic disease in Australia manage CAM and conventional medical services.

To understand the extent to which conventional and complementary health care are integrated for CAM users with chronic conditions. In-depth interviews and a self-administered questionnaire were used to collect data on care-seeking, self-management and CAM use among people with type 2 diabetes and/or cardiovascular disease living in Victoria, Australia. Many participants reported regular, frequent and long-term use of CAM therapies to maintain their health or assist in the management of their chronic condition. They generally managed the interface between convention and complementary health care on their own, as the perceived or expressed negative attitudes of some doctors, or the belief that the doctor did not need to know, were barriers to the disclosure of CAM use. For a smaller group, there was interaction between conventional and CAM providers, which limited the extent of uncertainty and conflicting information being (mis)interpreted by consumers. Greater interaction between CAM and medical providers would be beneficial to consumers. Structural barriers, related to financing and service organization, need to be addressed. Attitudinal shifts of some health-care practitioners also need to be addressed, in the context of workforce development.

Experiences of patients identifying with chronic Lyme disease in the healthcare system: a qualitative study.

BackgroundChronic Lyme disease is a term that describes a constellation of persistent symptoms in patients with or without evidence of previous Borrelia burgdorferi infection. Patients labeled as having chronic Lyme disease have a substantial clinical burden. Little is known about chronic Lyme disease patient experiences in the healthcare system and their relationships with healthcare providers. The purpose of this study was to gather insights about the experiences of patients who carry a diagnosis of chronic Lyme disease in the United States healthcare system.MethodsQualitative, phenomenological study in 12 adult participants who identified themselves as having chronic Lyme disease. Semi-structured face-to-face in-depth interviews were conducted, 60–90 minutes in length, focusing on perceptions of disease burden and of their healthcare providers, using the dimensions of the Health Belief Model. Transcribed interviews were analyzed for emergent topics and themes in the categories of beliefs/understanding, personal history/narrative, consequences/limitations, management, and influences on care.ResultsEnrollment continued until theoretical saturation was obtained. Four major themes emerged from participants’ descriptions of their experiences and perceptions: 1) changes in health status and the social impact of chronic Lyme disease, 2) doubts about recovery and the future, 3) contrasting doctor-patient relationships, 4) and the use of unconventional therapies to treat chronic Lyme disease.ConclusionsParticipants reported a significant decline in health status associated with chronic Lyme disease and were often unsatisfied with care in conventional settings. Negative experiences were associated with reports of dismissive, patronizing, and condescending attitudes. Positive experiences were associated with providers who were reported to be attentive, optimistic, and supportive. Consultations with CAM practitioners and use of CAM therapies were common. Actively engaged and sympathetic clinical encounters may foster greater satisfaction in healthcare settings.

The Use of Placebo and Non-Specific Therapies and Their Relation to Basic Professional Attitudes and the Use of Complementary Therapies among German Physicians – A Cross-Sectional Survey

We aimed to investigate the use of placebos (e.g. saline injections) and non-specific treatments (e.g. vitamin supplements in individuals without a relevant deficiency) among physicians working in private practices in Germany, and how such use is associated with the belief in and the use of complementary and alternative treatments, and basic professional attitudes. A four-page questionnaire was sent to nationwide random samples of general practitioners (GP), internists and orthopaedists working in private practices. The response rate was 46% (935 of 2018). 24% of GPs, 44% of internists and 57% of orthopaedists had neither used pure placebos nor non-specific therapies in the previous 12 months. 11% percent of GPs, 12% of internists and 7% of orthopaedists had exclusively used pure placebos; 30%, 33% and 26%, respectively, had exclusively used non-specific therapies; 35%, 12% and 9% had used both. Age, sex and agreement to the statement that physicians should harness placebo effects were not significantly associated with any pattern of use. Exclusive use of pure placebos was associated with being a GP, being an internist, and having unorthodox professional views. In addition to these three factors, a lower use of CAM therapies and a wish for having more time was associated with the exclusive use of non-specific therapies. Among physicians using both pure placebo and non-specific therapies, heterodox views were also somewhat more pronounced. However, associations were particularly strong for being a GP (Odds ratio 11.6 (95%CI 6.41; 21.3)) and having orthodox views (Odds ratio 0.10 (95%CI 0.06; 0.18)) among this group. In conclusion, the use of placebos and non-specific treatments varies strongly between medical specialties and is associated with basic professional attitudes. The findings support the view that the use of placebos and, in particular, of non-specific therapies is primarily a coping behaviour for difficult and uncertain situations.

Complementary integrative medicine in atopic diseases – an overview

AbstractObjectiveComplementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is a conservative and increasingly popular approach to atopic diseases for both patients and medical providers. Over the past few decades, there has been increased research activity into the use of CAM therapies for allergy. In this overview, current evidence, possible mechanisms of action and clinical approaches for treating the triad of atopic dermatitis, allergic rhinitis and asthma with CAM techniques are summarised and discussed.MethodsThe information for this overview was gathered from a literature search in the databases Medline and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials from 1 January 1951 to 1 December 2012.Results and conclusionPromising therapies include Petasites hybridus and acupuncture for allergic rhinitis; probiotics during pregnancy; the herbal product Zemaphyte and acupuncture (to control itch) for atopic dermatitis; and physical training, weight reduction, physiotherapy, correct intake of vitamins A, C and D as well as different Chinese herbal formulas for asthma. However, further research is needed to more clearly identify the mechanisms of action of these therapies, and whether these clinical effects are above and beyond any placebo effect.

Prevalence and determinants of complementary and alternative medicine use among infertile patients in Lebanon: a cross sectional study

BackgroundComplementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is widely used for the treatment of infertility. While the Middle East and North Africa region has been shown to house one of the fastest growing markets of CAM products in the world, research describing the use of CAM therapies among Middle-Eastern infertile patients is minimal. The aim of this study is to examine the prevalence, characteristics and determinants of CAM use among infertile patients in Lebanon.MethodsA cross sectional survey design was used to carry out face-to-face interviews with 213 consecutive patients attending the Assisted Reproductive Unit at a major academic medical center in Beirut. The questionnaire comprised three sections: socio-demographic and lifestyle characteristics, infertility-related aspects and information on CAM use. The main outcome measure was the use of CAM modalities for infertility treatment. Determinants of CAM use were assessed through the logistic regression method.ResultsOverall, 41% of interviewed patients reported using a CAM modality at least once for their infertility. There was a differential by gender in the most commonly used CAM therapies; where males mostly used functional foods (e.g. honey & nuts) (82.9%) while females mostly relied on spiritual healing/prayer (56.5%). Factors associated with CAM use were higher household income (OR: 0.305, 95% CI: 0.132–0.703) and sex, with females using less CAM than males (OR: 0.12, 95% CI: 0.051–0.278). The older patients were diagnosed with infertility, the lower the odds of CAM use (p for trend <0.05). Almost half of the participants (48%) were advised on CAM use by their friends, and only 13% reported CAM use to their physician.ConclusionsThe considerably high use of CAM modalities among Lebanese infertile patients, added to a poor CAM use disclosure to physicians, underscore the need to integrate CAM into the education and training of health professionals, as well as enhance infertile patients' awareness on safe use of CAM products.

Prognosis following the use of complementary and alternative medicine in women diagnosed with breast cancer

The purpose of this study was to assess whether CAM use affected breast cancer prognosis in those who did not receive systemic therapy. Secondary data analysis of baseline/survey data from the Women's Healthy Eating and Living (WHEL) study. 2562 breast cancer survivors participating in the study completed baseline assessments and a CAM use questionnaire. Cox regression models were conducted to evaluate the use of CAM modalities and dietary supplements on time to an additional breast cancer event (mean follow-up=7.3 years). A US-based multi-site randomized dietary trial. Time to additional breast cancer events. The women who did not receive any systemic treatment had a higher risk for time to additional breast cancer events (HR=1.9, 95% CI: 1.32, 2.73) and for all-cause mortality (HR=1.7, 95% CI: 1.06, 2.73) compared to those who had received systemic treatment. Among 177 women who did not receive systemic treatment, CAM use was not significantly related to additional breast cancer events. There were no significant differences between high supplement users (≥3 formulations per day) and low supplement users in either risk for additional breast cancer events. The risk for an additional breast cancer event and/or death was higher for those who did not receive any systemic treatments; the use of dietary supplements or CAM therapies did not change this risk. This indicates that complementary and alternative therapies did not alter the outcome of breast cancer and should not be used in place of standard treatment.

Attitudes towards integrative medicine among healthcare professionals in the Netherlands

BackgroundDespite the growing interest for integrative medicine (IM), no data are available about the attitudes of healthcare professionals towards IM. ObjectivesTo assess the attitudes of healthcare professionals towards IM. MethodsA convenience, volunteer sample was surveyed using a digital 47-item questionnaire on the key components of IM: 1. The doctor–patient relationship; 2. Patients’ responsibility in own healing; 3. Use of CAM therapies; 4. Healing environment. ResultsOf the 162 respondents, the majority were part of medical staff (51%), worked in a hospital (39%), in psychiatry/psychology (28%) and were women (54%). Most respondents (98%) believed that IM components: Doctor–patient relationship and patients’ responsibility for own healing process, were of high importance for healthcare. The other IM components, CAM use and healing environment, were found to be of importance by a lower percentage of responders (64% and 70%, respectively). 88% respondents regarded IM an important innovation in healthcare, despite the fact that 63% of them were not familiar with IM. The majority believed that patients should be informed about all possible treatments (94%), including CAM (84%). Of the CAM therapies listed, most considered lifestyle (90%) and mind-body therapies (54%) to be complementary to conventional treatment. Chi-square analysis demonstrated that familiarity with IM and being a female (among others) were predisposing factors for a positive attitude towards IM. ConclusionsThis survey among a convenient sample of Dutch healthcare professionals showed a relatively positive attitude towards IM. The outcome of this study may be useful to further implementation of IM in healthcare.

Coping with Ménière’s disease: experience and benefits from the use of complementary and alternative medicine

To identify the significant events and persons prompting search for non-biomedical/complementary and alternative (CAM) ways to cope with the impact of Ménière's syndrome, the CAM therapies used and perceived benefits. A narrative-based approach, with participants recruited from web sites and newsletters of two Ménière's Societies (in the UK and in Victoria, Australia) and searches of a monthly newsletter, Spin, for letters related to the use of CAM therapies. A thematic approach to data analysis was undertaken. Twenty personal, written stories were obtained and 23 letters. Commonly, critical events or changes in the condition provided the catalyst to seek alternative treatment, and sometimes significant others (a GP, CAM practitioner, friends, family). The accounts illustrate a range and variety of journeys that participants travelled in locating satisfactory ways to manage the condition, and the essential 'personal' nature of the experience and perceived benefits. No single CAM solution or pathway was evident. The findings suggest the importance of 'finding your own way', having a positive outlook and being proactive in regaining control over one's health, and the value of early recommendations to 'perhaps try alternative/ CAM treatments'.

Changing patterns of CAM use among prostate cancer patients two years after diagnosis: Reasons for maintenance or discontinuation

To explore the extent to which men treated for early stage, localized prostate cancer maintain or discontinue CAM therapies over time and to investigate external as well as psychological factors that are related to maintenance or discontinuation of CAM therapies. A survey questionnaire was mailed to a subset of participants (N=225) from an earlier study that investigated the initiation and use of CAM therapies after a prostate cancer diagnosis. Participants were recruited from a comprehensive cancer centre and affiliated network hospitals following treatment for early stage, localized prostate cancer. Usage history for the 17 CAM therapies most commonly used by prostate cancer patients. Likert-scale endorsement of reasons for discontinuing or not trying CAM therapies. A discontinuation index (i.e., the ratio of instances that the therapy was discontinued to instances that it was attempted) was computed for each therapy. CAM usage decreased by approximately one quarter within two years following treatment for early stage, localized prostate cancer. Men most frequently cited beliefs that discontinued CAM therapies were ineffective, generally unsuitable, or harmful, despite a lack of objective criteria for making these judgments. The increase in CAM usage that tends to occur immediately after diagnosis subsides within two years after prostate cancer treatment. Although lack of confidence in CAM's effectiveness characterized all discontinuations, higher effort therapies tend to be discontinued more quickly than lower effort therapies.

Complementary and alternative medicines for use in supportive care in pediatric cancer

Complementary and alternative medical practices (CAM) are being used by increasing numbers of children with cancer. Recent surveys report CAM use prevalence rates of 24-90% in children with cancer. Interest in supporting children through the side effects or stress of conventional treatment has been described as one of the major motivating factors for the use of CAM therapies. Research is difficult secondary to the complexity of the therapies and lack of standardization. However, several research studies investigating CAM therapies for supportive care in children with cancer are ongoing. Information on several studies in progress through the Children's Oncology Group and other institutions will be reviewed. The progress made in the development of these studies demonstrates that CAM therapies can be investigated for their supportive care roles in the therapy of children with cancer.

Physicians' Personal And Practice Use Of Cam Therapies In A Rural Community In The Southeast United States

The Journal of Alternative and Complementary MedicineVol. 12, No. 8 Letters To The EditorPhysicians' Personal And Practice Use Of Cam Therapies In A Rural Community In The Southeast United StatesDenise Martz, Gillian Baker, Nicole Knott, Jennifer DeStefano, Alston Wallace, and Katie GreenfieldDenise MartzSearch for more papers by this author, Gillian BakerSearch for more papers by this author, Nicole KnottSearch for more papers by this author, Jennifer DeStefanoSearch for more papers by this author, Alston WallaceSearch for more papers by this author, and Katie GreenfieldSearch for more papers by this authorPublished Online:11 Oct 2006https://doi.org/10.1089/acm.2006.12.715AboutSectionsPDF/EPUB ToolsPermissionsDownload CitationsTrack CitationsAdd to favorites Back To Publication ShareShare onFacebookTwitterLinked InRedditEmail "Physicians' Personal And Practice Use Of Cam Therapies In A Rural Community In The Southeast United States." , 12(8), pp. 715–716FiguresReferencesRelatedDetailsCited ByExperiences and Perceptions Toward Integrative, Complementary, and Alternative Medicine Among Conventional Medicine Practitioners of Mangalore, IndiaJournal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, Vol. 42, No. 7 Volume 12Issue 8Oct 2006 InformationCopyright 2006, Mary Ann Liebert, Inc.To cite this article:Denise Martz, Gillian Baker, Nicole Knott, Jennifer DeStefano, Alston Wallace, and Katie Greenfield.Physicians' Personal And Practice Use Of Cam Therapies In A Rural Community In The Southeast United States.The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine.Oct 2006.715-716.http://doi.org/10.1089/acm.2006.12.715Published in Volume: 12 Issue 8: October 11, 2006PDF download