Page 62 - EJMO-9-1

Eurasian Journal of Medicine and
Oncology
Integrative prophetic medicine

(vi) Adapting the healthcare system: Hospitals and clinics Even seemingly minor interactions can have significant
may need to adjust their practices to accommodate implications for patient safety, and the severity of these
CAM services effectively. interactions can vary considerably among individuals.
(vii) Ethical considerations: Concerns about potential Comprehensive and well-documented reports,
conflicts of interest, informed consent, and the encompassing all relevant patient information, are essential
appropriate use of CAM-based therapies within a for raising awareness of potential risks and establishing an
medical setting must be carefully addressed. effective early warning system to safeguard patient well-

In addition, while most CAM providers are well-trained being. 143
in their specific therapies, they may lack a comprehension Furthermore, conventional methods for identifying
of core medical sciences, such as anatomy, pathology, and information about safety and effectiveness do not always
physiology. Furthermore, some CAM approaches may be provide reliable or practical details regarding CAM. There
based on specific philosophies that differ significantly from is a paucity of research available, and standard research
conventional medicine. Despite these differences, CAM methods such as randomized controlled trials (RCTs)
has gained popularity among the public. This growing may not be suitable for all CAM therapies. Therefore,
144
acceptance poses a challenge for healthcare professionals it has been proposed that “expert review” could be more
who must navigate the ethical considerations involved in functional for CAM safety assessment since the reviewers’
integrating these approaches with conventional medicine. 139 knowledge, experience, and qualifications would positively
contribute to the judgment in the absence of reliable
5.3. Safety and efficacy assessment of IM data. The term “comparative effectiveness” has also been
The integration of IM services within conventional proposed to assess CAM effectiveness in everyday practice
healthcare systems presents significant challenges and settings by using trials that compare “real-world” situations
inherent risks. A primary concern stems from the limited rather than isolated interventions. This approach enhances
evidence base supporting many CAM practices. The the ability to inform specific clinical decisions. 145
majority of studies assessing CAM safety have relied In essence, to effectively practice evidence-based
on theoretical frameworks or have failed to accurately CAM, clinicians and researchers must understand various
reflect the actual CAM practices utilized by patients. research methods and their reliability in evaluating
This methodological shortcoming can lead to inaccurate CAM safety and effectiveness. Both the strengths and
and potentially misleading risk assessments based on weaknesses of conventional methods, such as RCTs,
speculative assumptions rather than empirical data. 140 should be considered. There is a critical need for high-

To ensure the safe and effective use of CAM practices quality research to address fundamental questions about
and products, it is imperative to establish a robust the safety and effectiveness of CAM. However, healthcare
assessment framework grounded in real-world patient providers should approach CAM with an open mind while
experiences. This framework should encompass both maintaining a critical perspective. It is important to use
perceived benefits and potential harms associated with CAM responsibly when it appears helpful and to avoid
CAM use. Furthermore, individualized risk assessments using it if there is a risk of causing harm. 146
should be conducted for each patient, considering their
unique circumstances and the potential interactions 5.4. Recommendations for healthcare providers
between prescribed medications and any CAM therapies Extensive research indicates that patients enthusiastically
they employ. This approach will provide a more accurate embrace CAM therapies, often firmly believing in their efficacy
reflection of the actual risks that patients may encounter despite limited scientific evidence. More concerning is the fact
when incorporating CAM into their healthcare regimens. 141 that some patients believe certain CAM treatments are more

Given the current limitations, the most viable effective than conventional medicine. This phenomenon
approach for evaluating the safety of CAM practices may signify a fundamental shift in patient attitudes toward
involves retrospective data collection from patients who treatment modalities, a hypothesis that warrants further
have utilized these therapies. This approach will generate investigation. Consequently, it is imperative to thoroughly
valuable evidence to inform healthcare professionals comprehend patient perceptions and experiences to
and patients, enabling them to make informed decisions effectively guide them in selecting suitable CAM therapies
regarding CAM use. It is crucial for healthcare professionals while mitigating potential harm arising from misinformation
147
to diligently report all potential interactions between CAM or erroneous beliefs about these treatments.
therapies and conventional treatments, irrespective of their Prohibiting patients from using CAM based on
perceived severity. 142 speculation, precautionary measures derived from

Volume 9 Issue 1 (2025) 54 doi: 10.36922/ejmo.6765