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Complementary and alternative medicine in Canadian children: A call for action

Sunita Vohra1, David Moher

  • 1University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta.

Paediatrics & Child Health
|August 14, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Pediatric complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use is widespread. This article calls for Canadian funding to establish an evidence base for pediatric CAM research and education.

Area of Science:

  • Integrative Medicine
  • Pediatric Health
  • Health Policy

Background:

  • Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use is prevalent in pediatric populations.
  • A 2001 forum identified key priorities for CAM research and integration in pediatrics.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To outline priority areas for the development of pediatric complementary and alternative medicine (CAM).
  • To advocate for Canadian funding agencies to support evidence-based pediatric CAM.

Main Methods:

  • A priority-setting forum was convened by The Hospital for Sick Children Foundation.
  • Key stakeholders discussed research, education, knowledge transfer, and health systems related to pediatric CAM.

Main Results:

  • Four priority areas were identified: a national research network/centre, education/training support, needs/use assessment, and knowledge transfer facilitation.
  • These priorities were discussed within the broader context of research, education, and health systems.

Conclusions:

  • There is a critical need for a robust evidence base in pediatric complementary and alternative medicine (CAM).
  • Canadian funding agencies are urged to support the development and implementation of these identified priorities.

Keywords:
CAMChildrenComplementary and Alternative MedicinePaediatric

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