Complementary and alternative medicine: a rising healthcare issue

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Research
• Integrative Health
• CAM Policy

Background:

• Over 50% of Canadians utilize complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) annually.
• The increasing use and lack of evidence standards for CAM present a significant healthcare challenge.
• Patient, practitioner, and policymaker questions regarding CAM efficacy and integration are prevalent.

Purpose of the Study:

• To outline a research agenda for complementary and alternative medicine (CAM).
• To address critical questions surrounding CAM use, regulation, and evidence standards.
• To guide future research programs in integrative healthcare.

Main Methods:

• A research priority-setting exercise conducted by the Canadian Interdisciplinary Network for CAM Research (IN-CAM).
• Identification of three primary research priority areas: healthcare delivery and policy, methodological research, and knowledge transfer.
• Defined sub-areas within each priority, including regulation, evidence standards, and outcome measures.

Main Results:

• Healthcare delivery and policy research priorities include CAM regulation, evidence of safety/efficacy, and integrative healthcare models.
• Methodological research priorities focus on assessing whole systems of care and relevant outcome measures.
• Knowledge transfer priorities involve formal education and information dissemination for decision-making.

Conclusions:

• The identified research agenda provides a roadmap for addressing the complexities of CAM.
• Future research is essential to establish evidence-based practices and policies for CAM.
• This framework aims to answer critical questions and guide the integration of CAM into healthcare systems.