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CAM providers' messages to conventional medicine: a qualitative study
V L Moura1, S L Warber, S A James
1Complementary and Alternative Medicine Research Center, Department of Family Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Michigan, 715 E. Huron Street, Suite W1, Ann Arbor, MI 48104, USA. vlmoura@umich.edu
Summary
Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) practitioners view their approach as supportive of conventional medicine (CM), not a replacement. Integrating CAM enhances patient care by focusing on holistic healing and connection, benefiting both patients and providers.
Area of Science:
- Integrative Health
- Healthcare Collaboration
- Patient-Centered Care
Background:
- A significant portion of patients utilize complementary and alternative medicine (CAM).
- Limited research exists on the communication and interaction dynamics between CAM practitioners and conventional medicine (CM) providers.
- Understanding CAM practitioners' perspectives is crucial for healthcare integration.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the messages CAM practitioners would convey to CM providers.
- To explore potential areas of synergy and collaboration between CAM and CM.
Main Methods:
- Qualitative study involving audiotaped interviews with 34 CAM practitioners.
- Thematic analysis was used to construct a coherent message from identified themes.
Main Results:
- CAM practitioners perceive CAM as complementary to, rather than a replacement for, CM.
- Blending CAM with CM is seen to benefit both patients and CM providers.
- CAM is viewed as reintroducing holistic healing concepts, emphasizing connection and patient-centeredness.
Conclusions:
- Messages from CAM practitioners align with the principles of integrative medicine.
- Further research validating CAM effectiveness and inclusion in medical curricula can foster integration.
- Collaboration in research, education, and practice is essential for a high-quality healthcare system.