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[The use of complementary and alternative medicine in children: how to advise the parents?]

H C W de Vet1

  • 1VU Medisch Centrum, Instituut voor Extramuraal Geneeskundig Onderzoek, Amsterdam. hcw.devet@vumc.nl

Nederlands Tijdschrift Voor Geneeskunde
|April 14, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Complementary or alternative medicine (CAM) is used by 30% of children, and parents seek pediatrician advice. More research is needed on CAM effectiveness for informed decisions.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Health
  • Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM)

Background:

  • CAM use is prevalent in approximately 30% of pediatric patients.
  • Parents desire guidance from pediatricians regarding CAM use.
  • There is a significant lack of scientific evidence on CAM effectiveness.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To address the ambiguity surrounding CAM in pediatric care.
  • To explore the basis for pediatricians to advise on CAM.
  • To highlight the need for evidence-based decision-making regarding CAM.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on CAM prevalence and effectiveness in pediatrics.
  • Analysis of parental and societal attitudes towards CAM.
  • Assessment of the current scientific evidence base for CAM.

Main Results:

  • Significant utilization of CAM among pediatric populations.
  • Parental requests for professional medical advice on CAM.
  • Limited published data and scientific evidence on CAM efficacy and safety.
  • Societal and medical ambiguity regarding CAM acceptance and integration.

Conclusions:

  • Evidence-based decision-making is crucial for addressing CAM in pediatric settings.
  • Further research into the effectiveness and safety of CAM is warranted.
  • Clear guidelines are needed for pediatricians to advise parents on CAM use.

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