Complementary and Alternative Medicine in Mainstream Public Health: A Role for Research in Fostering Integration

Abstract

In light of the increased utilization of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) in recent years, there is an increased possibility that CAM approaches could prove to be important factors in public health, particularly if used within an integrative framework together with mainstream medicine. There exists a defined need for research to explore the integration of conventional health care and CAM approaches, as well as define mechanisms of CAM-based therapies to facilitate such integration. Essential to these goals is the accumulation of a database derived from outcomes-based clinical and basic science investigations. We posit that that CAM clinicians need to be more thoroughly trained as researchers, skilled in developing and recording results of pragmatic studies that could provide credible evidence for the use of CAM in the public sector health care. It is proposed that this may be best achieved through a three-tiered system in which (1) clinician-scientists of both mainstream and alternative disciplines recognize the value of research designed to foster such integration; (2) educational and health care institutions must develop academic and clinical training programs that examine and delineate each disciplines' respective strengths and weaknesses; and (3) such programs are attractive to, and receive continued extramural subsidy. In the broadest sense, such a paradigmatic approach to CAM integration could create a common basis for scientific dialogue, encourage exchanges between medical communities, and establish policies for the development of a true multidisciplinary health care cooperative that is consistent with the current public health model.

Integrative Medicine: Enhancing Quality in Primary Health Care

“…Concerns about the efficacy of CAM and the competence and training of CAM practitioners have been major barriers to the integration of CAM and mainstream health care. [32][33][34] The findings of this study suggest that IM may reduce or overcome these concerns.…”

Educating CAM Practitioners About Integrative Medicine: An Approach to Overcoming the Communication Gap with Conventional Health Care Practitioners

“…5,6 Similar to the findings in other studies, we found a communication gap between CAM and conventional practitioners. [8][9][10][11][12] It is unclear how to bridge this communication gap, though our educational initiative sought to do so by emphasizing three important elements: critical thinking, patient-centered care, and communication skills.…”

Chiropractic Care and Public Health: Answering Difficult Questions About Safety, Care Through the Lifespan, and Community Action

“…The value of collaborating with other health organizations emphasizes the seamless integration of public health into clinical training, which translates into improving public health knowledge, attitudes, and clinical skills of our interns and addresses an important societal need. 162 The chiropractor's role in public health is diverse, and it is growing. 1 Chiropractic institutions, as all professional schools, must find ways of aligning their educational and training programs to prepare students to address the changing needs of the population and the changing health care delivery systems.…”