Complementary and Alternative Medicine in the UK - Coursework Example

COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE IN THE UK of Complementaryand alternative medicine (CAM) such as acupuncture, chiropractic, aromatherapy, massage, homeopathy, reflexology, clinical hypnotherapy and osteopathy has significantly increased in popularity within the UK. The safety and patient satisfaction associated with complementary and alternative therapies is one of the common factors contributing to its increased popularity. Furthermore the popularity of CAM is associated with the support that it has received from CAM practitioners, highly qualified medical professionals, primary care trusts and NHS organizations. Therefore the popularity of alternative treatment requires that regulatory focus is emphasized on the various approaches in alternative treatment. Moreover positive effects of CAM on patients with terminal and chronic illnesses have contributed significantly to their popularity. Bodies in the UK such as General Osteopathic Council (GOSC) and General Chiropractic Council (GCC) are among the regulators of complementary and alternative therapies. This means that legal and ethical implications of the popularity of CAM in the UK are inevitable. Moreover the UK government and the Department of Health have postulated for self ethical regulation and appropriate qualification for all CAM practitioners and healthcare providers who give their patients access to alternative therapy. The increased use of alternative therapy in the UK reflects an implication for research. This is because further research is recommended which will provide more insight on the cultural, psychological, social, legal and economic aspects of CAM. In addition the safety and effectiveness of alternative medicine needs to be researched upon to ensure that the management of illnesses through alternative medicine is safe and patient centered. Introduction Complementary and alternative medicine abbreviated as CAM is a group of health systems or healing resources, practices, modalities and the related beliefs and theories which are different from the mainstream health system (Ramsay, Kenny, Davies and Patel, 2005, p. 778). CAM also referred to the ideas and practices of a particular society which are defined by their users as means of treating or preventing various illnesses in addition to promoting the well being and health of the individuals who use them (Prasad, 2009, p. 16). In the UK, the government has demonstrated a commitment to the development of the NHS which is focused, responsive and committed to the wishes and needs of all patients. Significant popularity of CAM in the UK was recorded in 1999 with more than 46% of the population being reported to have used at least one form of CAM (Rojas-Cooley and Grant, 2009, p. 217). The history of CAM is said to be more than 60,000 years old in human existence where the ancient man used plants or herbs as medicine. This essay gives a critical analysis of CAM as used within the UK including its application and recommendation by practitioners, CAM professionals and the framework of CAM in NHS. More specifically, the essay gives a research based discussion of the factors which have led to the popularity of CAM in the UK and the related legal, ethical and research implications. There are many CAM therapies and alternatives which are available within the UK. Prasad (2009, p. 17) says that most of these therapies are popular due to the fact that they have demonstrated effectiveness in the alleviation of symptoms in some illnesses where the orthodox approaches to treatment seems to offer less complete solutions. The increased attractiveness of complimentary therapies to a large number of patients has led to the featuring of these treatments within the health services of various NHS organizations in the UK. The commonly used complementary alternative therapies in the UK include acupuncture, chiropractic, aromatherapy, massage, homeopathy, reflexology, clinical hypnotherapy and osteopathy (Watson, 2008). The alternative therapies have been used widely in place of the common or conventional medicine. Highly qualified medical practitioners and CAM professionals have demonstrated increasing application of the alternative therapies in the treatment and prevention of illnesses and the related symptoms. Rojas-Cooley and Grant (2009, p. 220) point out that the popularity of CAM in the UK is inclusive of its increased use within organizations which offer NHS services and many health institutions. Furthermore it is significantly notable that some highly qualified practitioners practice both conventional medicine and complimentary alternative therapies. According to Ramsay, Kenny, Davies and Patel (2005, p. 779), CAM is commonly used in the management of long standing sicknesses especially the chronic illnesses which last for a year and over. In addition, complementary and alternative medicine is used alleviating symptoms of multisystem disorders such as ME. Prasad (2009, p. 18) emphasizes that the use of CAM is often recognized and recommended by practitioners for patients who demonstrate little benefit from the conventional therapeutic approaches. The specific conditions in which CAM therapies are used include injuries, musculoskeletal disorders, pains and problems of the neck and back and bowel problems. In addition CAM has been widely used in the alleviating illnesses such as asthma, migraine, anxiety, stress, depression and indigestion (PR Newswire, 2011, p. 1). The popularity of CAM use in the aforementioned conditions is due to the recorded effectiveness of the alternative therapies in the maintenance of the general well being of the patients and promoting relaxation. Milgrom (2009, p. 1135) demonstrates that in the UK, women have been found to be greater users of CAM as compared to their male counterparts. The relative use of CAM is recorded in relation to the over the counter buying of herbal and homeopathic remedies and the practitioner interventions. The positive health outcomes, patient satisfaction and expectations in CAM use have been argued to be the major justification for the popularity of complementary and alternative therapies within the UK (Rojas-Cooley and Grant, 2009, p. 217). Most patients who use CAM have reported that their expectations from the treatment have been met. It is in this regard that even highly qualified medical practitioners have in many occasions been illustrated to have recommendations for alternative medicine in the management of various conditions. Park (2002) adds that the qualified CAM practitioners have demonstrated competency in the management of pain and multisystem disorders which have failed to respond to the orthodox therapy. It is therefore the satisfaction of the patients that the practice of CAM therapies in NHS organizations and by practitioners has recorded significant increase within the UK. In accordance to PR Newswire (2011, p. 1), palliative care in patients has reported positive outcomes when both complementary and alternative medicine is applied. Relief of both secondary and primary symptoms and improvement of coping mechanisms of cancer patients for example has been revealed in the use of CAM. This is therefore a factor which explains the increasing popularity of complementary and alternative therapies within the UK. Watson (2008) reflects further that there has been a greater acceptance of the complimentary alternative medicine among many patients especially those suffering from terminal illnesses. Health care practitioners in the NHS health care facilities and private practice CAM practitioners have as a result increasingly employed CAM in management of various long term illnesses. The complimentary alternative therapies have also been argued to be popular among patients and practitioners because of the fact that they help in improving the self esteem of the sick. As a result of this, patients are able to understand their illnesses and prevent the negative psychological effects which are associated with terminal illnesses. Prasad (2009, p. 16) attributes the popularity of CAM to the policies of various primary care trusts within the UK. Specific policies are devised by primary care trusts including the extent into which patients are recommended and allowed to access and use alternative therapies. The policies of primary care trusts and NHS demonstrate support for CAM because health practitioners are mandated to give patients access to alternative therapies when necessary (Milgrom, 2009, p. 1137). The necessity of complementary and alternative therapy however emanates from the interests of the patients. The patient interests are prioritized by the policies of the primary care trusts within the UK and as a result, CAM is becoming increasingly popular in the society. It is important to note however that some NHS institutions and primary care trusts provide their patients with alternative therapies such as clinical hypnotherapy directly. It is in this sense that the polarity of complementary and alternative medicine in the UK is reflected. The safety of complementary and alternative medicine approaches has been revealed to be one of the major factors resulting into its popularity within the UK. Alternative therapies such as massage, clinical hypnotherapy and homeopathy have been revealed to alleviate various symptoms without consequential side effect like those of orthodoxy therapies (Park, 2002). It is said that many of the CAM practitioners in the UK are not under the regulation of health statutes. Nevertheless, many patients have opted for CAM as their preferred approach to treatment and alleviation of symptoms. However, practitioners within the UK are expected to be under the umbrella of an independent and reputable health regulatory body. It is in this sense that it is evident that the factors which have led to the increased popularity of CAM in the UK have ethical and legal implications. According to Ramsay, Kenny, Davies and Patel (2005, p. 780), the legal and ethical implications of CAM popularity within the UK include requirement for standards and ethical codes of practice in alternative medicine in addition to indemnity health insurance. At present there are two CAM professions in the UK which are under statutory regulation. These are osteopathy and chiropractic which are regulated by the General Osteopathic Council (GOsC) and General Chiropractic Council (GCC) respectively (Watson, 2008). Therefore, the practice of CAM practitioners and other health care providers must adhere to the legal and ethical provisions of the regulatory statutes to avoid legal suit and possible loss of practice license. Furthermore, the ethics of health care must be followed in CAM practice. PR Newswire (2011, p. 1) reveals that the treatment of patients with alternative medicine must be focused at improving the condition of the patient in the most humane way. Therefore patients must not be subject to unnecessary suffering or pain in the processes of complementary and alternative therapies. Rojas-Cooley and Grant (2009, p. 219) say that the popularity of CAM in the UK has necessitated the mandatory registration with the GCC by all individuals who wish to focus their practice in alternative medicine. This means that CAM practitioners and health care givers who recommend CAM must have achieved relevant qualification from an education institution or provider that is recognized by the UK legal framework. In addition to the regulation and legal stipulation of qualifications for CAM practitioners, the UK government encourages self regulation among health care providers in the alternative therapy. This is in regard to the adherence of the ethics and morals of health care practice. The ethical practice in the mainstream therapy is reflected in the alternative treatment because CAM has significantly increased in popularity across the UK. Prasad (2009, p. 18) points out that the popularity of CAM has implications on research because there are various social, economic, psychological and cultural factors and influences in these therapies that are not yet understood. There is also a need to expand knowledge on the justification of the increased popularity of each and every alternative medicine approaches in addition the level of their effectiveness in therapy. Rojas-Cooley and Grant (2009, p. 219) say that the Department of Health started consultations in 2009 in relation to whether to regulate the CAM practitioners especially in herbal medicine, acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine within the UK. In addition the DOH has shown concern on how the CAM practitioners are to be regulated especially with the increased popularity of alternative medicine. It is therefore in this sense that research on complementary and alternative medicine is required so that evidence and research based information and data can be provided to the DOH and the government to ensure that alternative therapy is properly regulated. In addition, research on the alternative therapies will ensure that patient centered approach is applied in CAM and the ethics of practice including the interests of the patients adhered to by practitioners (Milgrom, 2009, p. 1136). Conclusion In the light of the above discussions, illustrations and analysis of CAM, it is conclusive that the popularity of alternative treatment requires that regulatory focus must be emphasized on the various approaches in CAM. The safety and patient satisfaction which has been associated with complementary and alternative therapies is one of the common factors contributing to its popularity within the UK. CAM practitioners, highly qualified medical professionals, primary care trusts and NHS organizations have demonstrated support for CAM. This is because of the positive effects that various alternative therapies have revealed on patients including those with terminal and chronic illnesses. The legal and ethical implications of the popularity of alternative medicine include the regulations by bodies such as General Osteopathic Council (GOsC) and General Chiropractic Council (GCC). Professional qualifications and self regulations in the practice of CAM have also been postulated by the Department of Health and the UK government. Further research is recommended as an implication of the increasing popularity of CAM in the UK. The research will provide more insight on the cultural, psychological, social, legal and economic aspects of CAM and its safety, effectiveness and focus on the interests and needs of patients. References Milgrom, L.R, 2009, CAM, Free Speech, and the British Legal System: Overstepping the Mark? Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 15, 10, pp. 1135-1138, Park, CM 2002, Diversity, the Individual, and Proof of Efficacy: Complimentary and Alternative Medicine in Medical Education, American Journal of Public Health, 92, 10, pp. 1568-1572 PR Newswire, 2011, "Dr. Catherine Ulbricht Discusses Alternative Medicine on the Dr. Oz Show", 2011, PR Newswire Europe Including UK Disclose, pp. 1 Prasad, V 2009, Toward a Meaningful Alternative Medicine, Hastings Center Report, 39, 5, pp. 16-18 Ramsay, N, Kenny, M, Davies, G, and Patel, J 2005, Complimentary and alternative medicine use among patients starting warfarin, British Journal of Hematology, 130, 5, pp. 777-780 Rojas-Cooley, M, and Grant, M 2009, Complementary and Alternative Medicine: Oncology Nurses Knowledge and Attitudes, Oncology Nursing Forum, 36, 2, pp. 217-224 Watson, R 2008, Editorial: Should we be complimentary about complementary therapies?, Journal of Clinical Nursing, September, Academic Search Premier, EBSCOhost, viewed 29 June 2012. 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