Grand Canyon University HLT 306v

University HLT 306v Homework Topic 5 Define CAM CAM is a group of diverse medical and health care systems, practices, and products that are not generally considered part of conventional medicine. “CAM therapies are common in the United States, and can include dietary supplements and botanicals, traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture, mind-body medicine, and therapeutic massage,” among many others (Falvo, 2011). CAM can be described as therapy and treatment that helps to establish harmony between body, mind, spirit which are outside the scope of conventional practice. The basic premise of CAM practice is to “promote health and wellness by taking a more holistic approach to treatment” (National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health [NIH], 2017). Describe the patient who uses CAM the most Patients seek for CAM therapies when they encounter dissatisfaction with conventional treatment, or as a natural assistant to their current treatments. The use of CAM practices is not isolated to a specific culture or population. However, “most patients that turn to this alternative approach are often well educated and from middle to upper class background” (Falvo, 2011). In the United States, approximately 38 percent of adults and approximately 12 percent of children are using some form of CAM. Study shows CAM is found used by people of all backgrounds, However, “people with higher education, higher income and adult women are found to be using more as compared to others” (NCCIH, 2017). List some common misconceptions about CAM The use of Alternative Medicine is becoming increasingly popular in recent years. Though, there are still many misconceptions persisting around general population which have only serve to confuse the public and discredit a valid and useful branch of medicine. Some of the misconceptions about CAM are about Native Americans who brought folk medicine practices from their native land, which reinforces the idea that this practice is used because of the patient’s Ignorance or poverty. Other misconceptions include the use of CAM is only adopted by traditional, cultural, and uneducated patients and immigrants. Lastly, many patients assume and considered CAM to be inherently safe while simultaneously using Conventional medicines. Identify methods of including the use of CAM in patient education Health care professional should have open discussion with patient related to their CAM practice and should be able to enter to negotiation related to patient choice. If use of CAM like herbal product is not safe for patient than health care professional should be able to provide sound rational the patient and gain collaboration. Depending on categories of their health condition or severity, if patients use CAM methods before or during conventional treatments without the consultant or under the supervision of health care professionals then it may carry greater risks. For instance, patient taking Coumadin or blood thinner should be very careful when taking herbal or natural medicines. Health professionals should not impose their judgment and personal belief on patient but should create an environment to discuss CAM with supportive attitude. “Patients should be made assure that health care professional are willing to work with them, utilizing CAM method chosen by them with conventional medicine the safe way to possible” (National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, 2017). Discuss the safe use of CAM Most patients assume and consider CAM products fundamentally safe. “Rigorous, well- designed clinical