Examples of complementary/ alternative therapies (CAM)
Massage therapy, yoga, meditation, traditional Chinese medicine, aromatherapy, traditional Indigenous medicine, etc.
What are the domains of CAM
- Biological
- Alternative medical systems
- Mind-body interventions
- Manipulative and body based methods
- Energy/ Biofield therapies
What are some biological-based therapies
Diet changes
Vitamins and supplements
topical treatments
What are some Alternative medical systems
Acupuncture
What are some mind-body interventions
Yoga
Relaxation therapy
Guided imagery
Exercise
What are manipulative and body-based methods
Exercise
Taichi
Chiropractic Intervention
Therapeutic touch
What are energy/ biofield interventions
Spirituality
Benefits of CAM for chronic illness
- Emphasis on prevention and wellness, rather than treating symptoms and preexisting conditions
- Avoids or alleviates severe side effects of prescribed medication or treatments
- Can provide different treatment options when current medical regimes aren’t working
- Can be used when “traditional” medicine is not accessible
- Encourage patient involvement in care/ control over care
Challenges of CAM
- Not well regulated in Canada for products or professionals
- Lack of research
- Which both put patients at risk
What is the nursing responsibility when it comes to CAMs?
Based on the code of standard it is our primary duty to provide safe/ ethical care.
If we are to use/ recommend a therapy we must understand the purpose, indication, contraindications, risks and expected outcomes
