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Complementary and alternative medicine: socially constructed or evidence-based?
1Research Director, School of Integrated Health, University of Westminster, London, UK.
Healthcarepapers
|June 18, 2003
Summary
This commentary reviews policy recommendations for complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). It questions the evidence-based nature of medicine, exploring its social construction and professional regulation.
Area of Science:
- Medical Sociology
- Health Policy
- Integrative Medicine
Background:
- Kelner and Wellman proposed policy recommendations for complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) development.
- The commentary critically examines issues surrounding CAM regulation and evidence.
- It delves into the dichotomy of evidence-based versus socially constructed medical progress.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze policy recommendations for CAM.
- To critically evaluate the regulation of CAM professions.
- To question the nature of evidence in medical development.
Main Methods:
- Critical analysis of existing literature and policy proposals.
- Examination of sociological perspectives on medical knowledge.
- Discourse analysis of evidence-based practice versus social constructionism.
Main Results:
- Identified complexities in regulating CAM professions.
- Highlighted the tension between scientific evidence and social factors in medicine.
- Questioned the singular reliance on evidence-based models for medical advancement.
Conclusions:
- CAM development requires nuanced policy considering professional regulation and evidence.
- The social construction of medicine plays a significant role alongside evidence-based practices.
- Further discourse is needed on integrating diverse medical systems and their validation.