Integrative, Complementary, and Alternative Medicine

BFor years, a significant debate has persisted between conventional medicine and integrative medicine, which includes complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). CAM encompasses therapeutic approaches and treatments not typically part of conventional medical care or that may have origins outside of usual Western practice.

The key difference between CAM and conventional medicine lies in the level of evidence supporting their practices. Conventional medicine predominantly relies on the most robust scientific evidence, while CAM adopts evidence-informed practices, drawing from the best available evidence.

While several CAM therapies, such as acupuncture and yoga, have been studied and found effective and/or comparable to conventional treatment, other CAM approaches have not yet benefited from rigorous scientific testing. Some that have been researched have had negative or mixed results (that is, they did not work [consistently] better than a placebo), OR have not been studied for PMDD.

Nonetheless, from the patient's perspective, the interest in and use of certain forms of CAM is prevalent. According to the U.S. National Health Interview Survey, 38% of U.S. adults use CAM.

The terms integrative, complementary, and alternative medicine are rapidly evolving along with the field. Currently, the terms are often used interchangeably, but their meanings are different. Below are the ways IAPMD defines these terms presently:

Conventional medicine (Western medicine or modern medicine) is when healthcare professionals, such as doctors, nurses, and therapists, use scientific evidence to diagnose and treat symptoms and diseases using drugs, radiation, or surgery.

Integrative medicine is health care that focuses on the “whole person” (holistic care) and recognizes the benefit of combining conventional (standard) therapies (such as 1 drug and surgery) with complementary therapies (such as acupuncture and yoga) that are safe and effective, alongside established methods of diagnosis and treatment.

Complementary medicine refers to non-mainstream practices used together with conventional medicine. Alternative medicine refers to non-mainstream practices used instead of conventional medicine.

IAPMD Position

“Integrated Evidence” At IAPMD, we champion a patient-centered philosophy rooted in evidence and guided by collaboration between patients and practitioners. We advocate for an “Integrated Evidence” approach to facilitate informed decision-making through the synthesis of:

EVIDENCE derived from scientific research

EXPERTISE drawn from the knowledge and experience of healthcare professionals

EXPECTATIONS are shaped by individual preferences, values, and priorities regarding quality of life and health beliefs. As a patient advocacy organization committed to promoting the well-being and autonomy of individuals facing health challenges, we recognize the importance of informed decision-making in healthcare, particularly concerning integrative and complementary alternative medicine (CAM) treatments. Integrative and CAM therapies offer potential benefits to patients, but they also present risks and uncertainties. Therefore, it is imperative to ensure that patients have access to reliable information and resources to make informed choices about their healthcare options.

Policy Recommendations:

Objectives:

● To empower patients with knowledge and resources to make informed decisions regarding integrative and CAM treatments.

● To raise awareness, increase knowledge, and understanding among healthcare providers of the growing interest in integrative and CAM therapies among patients

● To advocate for more research on integrative and CAM therapies to generate evidence-based recommendations and guidelines for PMD patients. Awareness & Education

a. Develop and implement educational programs and materials that provide patients with comprehensive information about integrative and CAM treatments, including their potential benefits, risks, and limitations.

b. Ensure that patients have access to accurate and culturally relevant information about integrative and CAM treatments through various channels, including websites, brochures, support groups, webinars, and conferences.

c. Educate healthcare providers on patient interest in CAM and evidence-based recommendations and encourage the integration of CAM services into their treatment offerings

d. Promote the dissemination of research findings and best practices in integrative and CAM healthcare through various channels, including websites, brochures, support groups, webinars, conferences, and professional networks.

e. Encourage communication and knowledge-sharing between patients, healthcare providers, and integrative and CAM practitioners to support shared decision-making and continuity of care. Advocacy a. Advocate for increased funding and support for research on integrative and CAM therapies to generate evidence-based recommendations and guidelines. b. Encourage the integration of integrative and CAM modalities into clinical trials and comparative effectiveness research to evaluate their safety, efficacy, and cost-effectiveness.

IAPMD | Sandi MacDonald, CoFounder and Executive Director

“The mystery of healing remains unsolved. If we combine wisdom and science, tradition and research, mind and body, there is every hope that the mystery will reveal its secrets more and more fully.”

“As an evidence-based but patient-led organization, we believe in a thoughtful integrative approach to care - a partnership between patient and practitioner in which conventional medicine is integrated with evidence-based practices that are safe and effective (such as nutrition, physical activity, acupuncture, yoga, or massage, etc.). “

“IAPMD is committed to advancing policies that empower patients to make informed decisions about integrative and CAM treatments. By promoting education, integration, and research, we aim to ensure patients receive safe, effective, patient-centered care that respects their autonomy and values. We urge policymakers, healthcare stakeholders, and the broader community to support these initiatives and prioritize the well-being of patients in all aspects of healthcare delivery.” 3