Week 6- Complementary and Alternative Medicine

Complementary and Alternative Medicine

In this weeks assessment topic, I have learnt about the use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) in the practice of health care and how it can be associated throughout individuals lifestyles. In my reflective blog, I will use the Gibbs' Reflective Cycle as a guideline.

My understanding of alternative medicine is that it is aimed at treating and preventing different conditions with techniques that may seem different compared to everyday primary health care. A few examples of CAM include acupuncture, cupping, herbal medicine, chiropractic, massage, energy therapies, Chinese, traditional and many more. 

I believe that many individuals are skeptical about these therapies, due to a wide-set of the population relying on traditional western medicine. According to Ventola (2010), a lack of evidence-based information about efficacy, safety, and drug interactions with CAM therapies, as well as a lack of formal training, is thought to be responsible for this deficit. Due to personal experience with trialing different alternative therapies, I believe that they are very helpful with the management of pain. I also believe that people's opinions of CAM is influenced by social, cultural, economic, and personally factors.

My experience with this form of medicine has been positive and a practice my family and I have used for many years. Considering all members of my immediate family, my father has a different opinion on CAM and believes that these therapies do not work. From assessing my fathers reaction I believe his opinion was different due to his personal experience. Throughout his whole life he has never experienced alternative medicine, therefore has a different opinion. Throughout my future nursing career I believe that CAM therapy has positively influenced my thoughts surrounding treatment and prevention options. In my career I believe that I will encourage and educate patients on the benefits of alternative therapy and hopefully be able to make in difference in individuals lives.

Watching the interactive video lesson about cultural sensitivity nursing care was a huge eye-opener for myself. Being able to identify the individuals needs based on their cultural background was an important lesson I have learnt from that particular video. I believe this video has shaped my future as a nurse by understanding the importance of education surrounding culture and how to address certain situations.  

References: 

Ventola, C. (2010). Current Issues Regarding Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) in the United States. Retrieved from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2935644/