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Complementary and alternative practices in rheumatology.
Cesar Ramos-Remus1, Ashwinikumar Raut
1Universidad de Guadalajara, Colomos 2292, Providencia, Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico. rramos@cencar.udg.mx
Best Practice & Research. Clinical Rheumatology
|September 12, 2008
Summary
Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use is widespread among patients with rheumatic diseases. This review examines the epidemiology, patterns, and concepts of CAM utilization in rheumatology.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Integrative Medicine
- Public Health
Background:
- Non-conventional treatment modalities, including complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), are increasingly utilized by both healthy individuals and patients with various diseases.
- Despite advancements in medical technology, CAM has become a significant topic in both lay and biomedical literature, with over 46,000 Medline publications since 1966.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present recent epidemiological data on CAM utilization among patients with rheumatic diseases.
- To emphasize the magnitude and patterns of CAM use in this population.
- To explore concepts differentiating alternative from complementary medicine.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent epidemiological data.
- Analysis of utilization patterns and magnitude of CAM use.
- Conceptual analysis of alternative versus complementary medicine.
Main Results:
- CAM utilization is prevalent among rheumatic patients.
- Specific patterns and magnitude of CAM use are detailed.
- Distinctions between alternative and complementary medicine concepts are discussed.
Conclusions:
- CAM is a significant component of healthcare choices for rheumatic patients.
- Understanding CAM utilization patterns is crucial for healthcare providers.
- Further research is needed to clarify the roles and integration of CAM in rheumatology.
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