Define CAM
Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is a term that describes a wide range of healthcare practices and products that are not generally considered part of conventional medicine (Barcan, 2020). These practices include herbs, dietary supplements, energy healing, massage, yoga, acupuncture, and homeopathy. CAM prevents and treats illness, improves overall health, and promotes self-care and well-being.
A Patient Who Uses CAM
Patients who use CAM the most are typically female, aged between 35-60, have a higher education level and a higher income, and are more likely to suffer from chronic conditions such as stress, anxiety, and depression (Guzman et al., 2019). They tend to be more open to alternative forms of medicine, such as acupuncture, chiropractic, massage therapy, and herbal remedies. Furthermore, many of these patients strongly believe in the power of the mind to promote healing and are willing to explore a variety of treatments to achieve that goal.
Common Misconceptions About CAM
- CAM is unsafe and unproven
- CAM treatments are only used by alternative health enthusiasts
- All CAM therapies are natural and safe
- All CAM therapies are free of side-effects
- CAM therapies are only used by the elderly
- CAM therapies can replace conventional medicine
- CAM therapies are not regulated (Barcan, 2020)
- CAM therapies are only used to treat physical illnesses
Methods
CAM can be included in patient education by providing educational resources such as pamphlets, books, and websites with information about CAM practices and their potential benefits. Clinicians can refer their patients to CAM practitioners to discuss options (Barcan, 2020). Additionally, clinicians can discuss alternatives with their patients during appointments and provide resources or referrals. Lastly, holding seminars on CAM and its potential benefits can be a great way to educate larger numbers of patients.
Safe Use of CAM
CAM should be used in conjunction with traditional medical methods only after consulting with a qualified general practitioner who understands the concept. It is essential to conduct thorough research on CAM therapy and ensure that the practitioner is qualified, experienced, and regulated (Barcan, 2020). Furthermore, it is important to ensure that any supplements or remedies are of good quality and have been tested for safety. Finally, any potential risks should be discussed with a healthcare professional before beginning any CAM treatment.
Integration of CAM and Conventional Medicines
- The techniques can be integrated through referrals between conventional and CAM treatment providers.
- By providing patient education on conventional and CAM treatment approaches.
- Promoting collaboration when making decisions between conventional and CAM providers.
- Develop protocols for integrating both approaches in clinical practice to provide quality care.
- Healthcare leaders promote using evidence-based CAM treatments in combination with conventional treatments.
Ethical Theories, Ethical Principles, and Values
Ethical theories are frameworks that guide the decisions that people make. Common theories include utilitarianism, which holds that actions should produce the greatest good for the greatest number of people, and deontology, which holds that actions should be done to uphold moral duties and rights. Ethical principles are basic guidelines for ethical behavior, such as respect for autonomy, non-maleficence, beneficence, and justice (Laasch et al., 2020). Values are beliefs and attitudes that guide behavior, such as honesty, integrity, and fairness.
Examples of Ethical Issues
There are various examples of ethical issues in patient education and compliance. The first example is when a health professional fails to provide accurate and up-to-date information to a patient (Laasch et al., 2020). The second example is where health professionals provide information that is not in the patient’s best interest. An effective professional-to-patient relationship can address many of these ethical issues. A good relationship is based on trust, respect, and communication (Laasch et al., 2020). A health professional should strive to offer accurate and up-to-date information to their patients, respect their autonomy and decision-making abilities, and respect their right to privacy.
Ethical Patient Education Practices
Ethical patient education practices are approaches that provide accurate and comprehensive information to patients in a respectful and empathetic manner. They involve open communication, allowing patients to ask questions, respecting their right to make decisions, and providing only evidence-based information (Laasch et al., 2020). Furthermore, it includes respecting the patient’s autonomy and informed consent.
The Purpose of Informed Consent
Informed consent creates trust between a health provider and patients by promoting good understanding. It ensures that people are aware of the consequences of their decisions and can make decisions that are in their best interests (Axson et al., 2019). Informed consent allows individuals to make decisions based on knowledge rather than assumptions and ensure that they are fully aware of the risks and benefits of a medical procedure.
Factors that Determine the Ability to Consent
The factors determining a patient’s ability to give informed consent include age, mental capacity, understanding of the treatment, and the patient’s ability to make decisions. Additionally, the patient’s relationship with the doctor, cultural background, and language proficiency may influence their ability to make an informed decision (Axson et al., 2019). A good understanding of the consequences of decisions is another factor that determines one’s ability to consent.
Informed Consent Form
I, “the name of the person,” understand the risks and benefits of the medical treatment I am about to receive. I acknowledge that I have been informed of the risks and benefits and give my consent to proceed with the treatment. I understand that my consent is voluntary and can be withdrawn at any time. I have been allowed to ask questions and have all those questions answered to my satisfaction.
The Process of Communication
The process of obtaining informed consent should include clear, open communication between the patient and the family. The provider should explain the purpose of the procedure to the patient in simple terms, allowing the patient to ask questions and have their concerns addressed (Axson et al., 2019). In addition, the physician should provide information on any risks and benefits associated with the procedure. The family should be included in the conversation, as they may have additional questions or concerns. Thus, the patient should provide informed consent before the procedure.
References
Axson, S. A., Giordano, N. A., Hermann, R. M., & Ulrich, C. M. (2019). Evaluating nurse understanding and participation in the informed consent process. Nursing ethics, 26(4), 1050-1061. Web.
Barcan, R. (2020). Complementary and alternative medicine: bodies, therapies, senses. Routledge.
Guzman, J. R., Paterniti, D. A., Liu, Y., & Tarn, D. M. (2019). Factors related to disclosure and nondisclosure of dietary supplements in primary care, integrative medicine, and naturopathic medicine. Journal of family medicine and disease prevention, 5(4). Web.
Laasch, O., Suddaby, R., Freeman, R. E., & Jamali, D. (Eds.). (2020). Research handbook of responsible management. Edward Elgar Publishing.