Complementary and Alternative Medicine

Homework Topic 5
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Homework Topic 5
1. Define CAM.
CAM stands for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, a terminology that refers to medical commodities and methods exclusive of standard medical practices. It includes activities such as acupuncture as well as special diets for treatment as opposed to prescribed medicine (Lewith, 2008).
2. Patients who use CAM the most.
The patients who use CAM the most are those who suffer from a terminal illness such as cancer as an alternative treatment for pain relief from the side effects associated with cancer treatments.
3. Common misconceptions about CAM.
Some misconceptions about CAM are; it is better than standard medical prescriptions in certain aspects such as urgent pain relief, it isn't based on science due to lack of substantial research, it is too good to be true concerning its effectiveness, it does not augment conventional medicine and that the latter is better as a standalone (Lewith, 2008).
4. Methods including the use of CAM in patient education
Health care providers should aim to be more informed on complementary medicine to advise their patients accordingly because lack of information is a key reason for misconceptions regarding the CAM approach. Well-informed practitioners can slowly integrate CAM with standard health practices. More so, having pamphlets in doctor's offices would be beneficial to patients during doctor's visits as they can carry some of these with them and be informed (Douglas Mann et al., 2004).
5. Discuss the safe use of CAM.
Patients may be drawn to the use of CAM because of its affordability, influence from friends and family, and even the lure of natural products. However, as a practitioner, it is important to advise one's patient on the safe dosage and methods of such products. Moreover, the goal should not be for-profit but rather the well-being of a patient. Warnings of any side effects of any CAM procedures or products should be mentioned first hand or provided in clear and legible writing (Risks of CAM: How much do we know? 2011).
6. List ways in which conventional medicine and CAM can be integrated
Integration for both approaches would ensure the implementation of the best of both worlds. Some ways for utilizing both is in nutritional approach by combining specialized diets but under the advice of standard medical facts, in providing care for patients in chronic pain by a holistic combination of prescriptions and practices such as acupuncture. Also, exercise can utilize both approaches to maintain an overall healthy lifestyle for patients (Allison, 2016).
7. Define ethical theories, ethical principles, and values.
Ethical theories provide an outline of desirable human conduct revolving around thoughts and actions. Health practitioners should uphold these theories in their daily interactions with their patients in the provision of their service. Ethical principles on the other hand provide a guideline on human behavior. Aspects of such principles include respectful interactions between health providers and patients, as well as empathy and values, which are an individual's beliefs based on th...