Chapter 44 - Complementary and alternative medicine. After studying this chapter you will be able to: Explain CAM, distinguish between complementary and alternative medicine and conventional medicine, summarize how CAM and conventional medicine are used together, identify various types of complementary and alternative medicine,. | 44 Complementary and Alternative Medicine 44- Learning Outcomes Explain CAM. Distinguish between complementary and alternative medicine and conventional medicine. Summarize how CAM and conventional medicine are used together. Identify various types of complementary and alternative medicine. 44- Learning Outcomes (cont.) Describe how a medical assistant may use his or her knowledge of CAM. Explain why patients and health-care practitioners are turning to complementary treatments. Compare insurance and payment for CAM treatments. Explain how CAM is regulated. Describe health fraud. 44- Introduction More than 30% of adults use complementary and alternative therapies Relieve problems Promote wellness No relief from traditional treatments Some physicians use a combination of CAM and traditional therapies 44- What Is CAM? A group of practices and products that are not part of conventional medicine Allopathy – . | 44 Complementary and Alternative Medicine 44- Learning Outcomes Explain CAM. Distinguish between complementary and alternative medicine and conventional medicine. Summarize how CAM and conventional medicine are used together. Identify various types of complementary and alternative medicine. 44- Learning Outcomes (cont.) Describe how a medical assistant may use his or her knowledge of CAM. Explain why patients and health-care practitioners are turning to complementary treatments. Compare insurance and payment for CAM treatments. Explain how CAM is regulated. Describe health fraud. 44- Introduction More than 30% of adults use complementary and alternative therapies Relieve problems Promote wellness No relief from traditional treatments Some physicians use a combination of CAM and traditional therapies 44- What Is CAM? A group of practices and products that are not part of conventional medicine Allopathy – conventional medicine or common and usual practice Complementary medicine – used with conventional medicine Alternative medicine – used instead of conventional medicine 44- What Is CAM? (cont.) Scientific evidence concerning safety and effectiveness Available for some CAM therapies Research continues, so information changes Integrative medicine Evolves as CAM therapies are adopted by conventional medicine Combination of both 44- Apply Your Knowledge Define CAM and state why these therapies are not in wide use by practitioners of conventional medicine. ANSWER: CAM is a group of practices and products not considered part of conventional medicine. They are not widely used by physicians because there is not a lot of scientific evidence of their safety and effectiveness. Impressive! 44- Types of CAM Shared similarities Individualized treatments, good nutrition, and preventive health practices Holistic Promote self-care and self-healing Recognition of one’s spiritual nature Categories .
