Complementary and Alternative Medicine - Term Paper Example

?Complementary and Alternative Medicine in the Case Management of Hispanics Introduction Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is currently a form of medicine which has gained much popularity in the current medical and healthcare practice. It now rivals traditional medicine in terms of interventions and applicability, however it still has to gain sufficient progress before it can achieve widespread utilization. Nevertheless, its interventions have shown much promise in the management of illnesses. For which reason, some forms of complementary and alternative medicine has gained support from practitioners in conventional medicine. This paper shall consider the application of complementary and alternative medicine in the case management of the Hispanic population. This topic is being considered in the hope of establishing a clear understanding of the applicability of complementary and alternative medicine in the management of illnesses among the Hispanic population. Concept Complementary and alternative medicine is defined by the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (2011) as a diverse and varied medical and health systems and practices which are not normally considered part of conventional or standard medical practice. It is not as widely accepted as conventional medicine, but some of its applications have already been accepted as effective treatments and have therefore formed part of generally applied medicine. Complementary medicine is medicine which is included and used together with conventional medicine (NCCAM, 2011). Alternative medicine, on the other hand is used in place of conventional medicine; in most instances, as the sole treatment, without integration of conventional medicine techniques. CAM includes a wide range of ancient and new-age techniques which claim to treat and to prevent the onset of illness (Barnes, et.al., 2008). In the strictest sense, CAM is not a part of conventional medicine because there is still inadequate proof for its safe and effective use in healthcare. As a result, judgment for the use of these techniques is largely based on discretion and evidence-based support. In general, individuals utilizing CAM are finding ways to improve their overall physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being (Astin, et.al., 2000). Moreover, they often turn to CAM to seek relief from a terminal or chronic illness or from the side-effects of their conventional treatment. Furthermore, they consider CAM as a means of establishing a holistic and transformative management of their body and all its issues (Institute of Medicine, 2005). CAM practitioners often attempt to treat not only the physical chemical symptoms of the disease, but also the psychological, emotional, and mental impact of the illness. Most patients availing of this treatment consider it as a means of complementing their conventional medicine management; seldom is it used as an alternative form of treatment (Barnes, et.al., 2008). Based on a National Health Interview survey (2002), about a third of adults use atleast one form of CAM. Usual CAM therapies include non-mineral natural products, meditation, yoga, massage, deep-breathing exercises, and diet-based therapies (Barnes, et.al., 2002). In the past, CAM has often been used to relieve back aches, headaches, chest colds, neck pain, joint stiffness, and anxiety. Although much less common, the use of these forms of treatment has also been prevalent in the management of symptoms for cancer, lung diseases, and cardiovascular infection (Mao, et.al., 2007). Its use has also been common among women and among adults with higher educational qualifications, including adults who have been suffering from one or two health issues requiring multiple medical consults in a year (Nahin, et.al., 2007). CAM techniques are often categorized into different classifications. One of its categories includes natural products. These natural produces are popularly known as herbal medicines, vitamins, minerals, and other dietary supplements (NCCAM, 2011). Probiotics or live microorganisms, likened to microorganisms seen in the digestive tract, are also considered as natural products and are seen in products like yoghurt and other dietary supplements. Mind and body medicine are those which highlight interactions between the brain, the mind, the body, and behavior (NCCAM, 2011). This includes meditation techniques; different styles of yoga, acupuncture, guided imagery, tai chi, and deep-breathing exercises. Mind and body medicine is actually deeply rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine, a form of CAM which often considers the emotional, spiritual, and the environmental aspects of a person’s healing (NCCAM, 2011). Manipulative and body-based practices are those which highlight structures and systems of the body. It usually includes spinal manipulation, chiropractics, and massage therapy. At present, chiropractics is considered in the top 10 CAM therapies among adults and children (NCCAM, 2011). The use of CAM, specifically, herbal medicines, is popular among the Hispanics. This study will focus on the Hispanic culture and the impact of such culture on the use of CAM. The impact on case managers and their ability to secure clients with culturally and medically appropriate care shall also be a function of this essay. In the management of Hispanic patients, it is important to focus on CAM as forms of therapy for clients because this therapy combines treatment possibilities based on cultural beliefs which can then have a significant impact on the type and the efficacy of care that the clients would likely receive. Awareness in the use of CAM in the Hispanic population can help case managers coordinate type of care and eventually help them achieve improved patient conditions. It is also important for case managers to be familiar with the various applications of complementary and alternative medicine in patient’s cultures because these various forms of treatment may impact eventually have a negative impact on patients. Moreover, patient views on the application of CAM may ultimately affect how clients perceive the efficacy of conventional medicine. Hispanics are a fast growing population and with an increase in population, the risk for disease is also bound to increase; moreover, since the use of CAM is already common within their quarters, the increase in population will also likely lead to the increase of CAM use (Ortiz, et.al., 2007). Case managers therefore need to establish complete and adequate ideas on the appropriate application of CAM. The use of CAM within the Hispanic population has increased throughout the years; moreover, many Hispanics also use CAM as substitutes for conventional medicine in the management of illnesses like obesity and in some instances, even pain (Ortiz, et.al., 2007). Hispanics are deeply cultural and traditional and this nature seems to lead them close to the use of CAM and its related methods of treatment. Case management Case management is based on the collaboration of processes in assessment, planning, and facilitation for treatment and services in relation to a patient’s holistic needs. It is secured through communication and the use of adequate resources which help promote cost-effective interventions (Case Management Society of America, 2008). Case management highlights the importance of securing client needs. It also allows clients to consider the different aspects of a patient’s life which impact on his health. It is a service-delivery approach which is widely applied across various settings in social services and health management. It is an approach which acknowledges the fact that clients with various needs will consider services from various service providers and their aim is to secure a seamless delivery of services (CMSA, 2008). Hispanics are of the belief that illnesses are often caused by imbalances in their system – imbalance in relation to their body temperature (Ortiz, et.al., 2007). Their health is also sometimes seen as a reward for good behavior. It is therefore crucial for case managers to manage the communication with patients and health care givers in order to ensure that clients will be able to express their feelings about their illness and consider culturally appropriate care for these individuals. In order to ensure communication, the case manager shall have to carry out interviews in Spanish, or the language which is comfortable for the patient. Materials which are appropriate for the client’s needs must also be written in the language understood by the patient (Powell, 2000). Case managers must also consider the client’s knowledge of services available and consider coordinating cultural beliefs in planning interventions and promote adequate care. They must also integrate patient’s cultural beliefs and practices into the patient’s case management. Hispanic patients may often seek herbal medicines for their care and may also prefer the use of these methods in relation to their family needs. Ortiz, et.al., (2007) discuss in their literature review that 42 articles supported the use of CAM by Hispanics, and this study reviewed the use of CAM, including the use of dietary supplements and herbs. A higher rate of CAM use among Hispanics in most of the studies was seen. Many of these products were even unfamiliar to doctors and other health practitioners. Most common of these products included linden, sapodilla, and star anise (Ortiz, et.al., 2007). Mikhail, et.al., (2004) discussed that a good majority of Hispanic respondents used CAM, and most of the users were women with most substances used being herbs, prayer, and diet supplements. Most of the users belonged to the low-income group and had a lesser proficiency in English; they also had a lower educational level as compared to non-Cam users. Most of these Hispanics were driven to use CAM because of pain, decreased energy, and obesity. Despite popular CAM use, most of these subjects however had more faith in their physicians than in their alternative medicine providers (Mikhail, et.al., 2004). Negative effects were seen in 11 of the users and most of the respondents did not express to their physicians the fact that they were using CAM. Case managers have to be aware that the use of CAM among Hispanics has been a practice passed on from their family members. Based on data taken from studies, case managers need to acknowledge the fact that the use of CAM may also be related to the poor economic conditions of these Hispanics, as well as the limited affordability they have for conventional medicine options (Bearison, et.al., 2002). More importantly however, their choice of CAM is mostly based on their culture and beliefs that have been passed on to them from their ancestors. For case managers to manage patient care, they need to consider their client’s beliefs and practices in order to ensure the establishment of culturally appropriate plans. Most Hispanics would not volunteer their use of CAM to their doctors, and many of them would not even consider volunteering such data to their case managers also (Bearison, et.al., 2002). It is therefore the obligation of case managers to establish rapport and effective communication with their clients. Case manager must not also criticize their patients for using CAM; instead, these case managers must educate these patients about their choices in CAM and the risks as well as benefits involved in each treatment choice and technique. Conclusion Complementary and Alternative medicine is being used by many cultural groupings in the US and in the whole world. It is also especially popular in the Hispanic population. Their use of this type of therapy has been passed on from generation to generation and it has proven to be an effective and familiar method of therapy for them. For case managers of Hispanic patients, it is important for them to be open to their patients and to establish clear communication techniques in the hope of coordinating data in relation to the use of CAM. These managers also need to understand cultural beliefs and practices which relate to the use of complementary and alternative medicine. By understanding the treatment itself, they would be able to advice their clients appropriately and beneficially. Works Cited Astin JA, Pelletier KR, Marie A, & Haskell WL. (2000). Complementary and alternative medicine use among elderly persons: One-year analysis of a Blue Shield Medicare supplement. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci, 55(1): M4–M9. Astin, JA. (1998). Why patients use alternative medicine: Results of a national study. JAMA 279(19):1548– 53. 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Complementary and Alternative Medicine Use among Hispanics in the United St: CAM Use in Chronic Conditions. The Annals of Pharmacotherapy, 41(6): pp. 994-1004. Powell, S. (2000). Case management: a practical guide to success in managed care. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. Read More