Page 63 - EJMO-9-1

Eurasian Journal of Medicine and
Oncology
Integrative prophetic medicine

erroneous assessments, or clinician biases stemming from 5.5. Approaches for successful IM integration
inadequate CAM education and training is not a viable The current approach of applying conventional research
solution. Such an approach would likely exacerbate the methods to CAM therapies may not be the most effective
issue, as empirical evidence suggests that patients often way to assess their value. Ideally, research methods should
conceal their use of CAM therapies from their healthcare be tailored to each specific CAM modality. There is a lack
providers. This concealment remains one of the major of knowledge about the potential benefits and risks of
barriers to implementing IM approaches. 142 CAM. For CAM to gain widespread acceptance, strong
Physicians should avoid adopting a judgmental evidence must be established through rigorous research
tone when discussing CAM use with patients. Instead, that uses the most appropriate methods for each therapy. 146
they should prioritize open and empathetic inquiry This type of research is crucial for patients, healthcare
into why these therapies are significant to the patient providers, policymakers, and administrators to make
and acknowledge their inherent right to participate in informed decisions about the role of CAM in healthcare.
treatment decisions. Research findings indicate that Further exploration is needed to understand the
patients are less likely to disclose adverse events or associations between CAM use and patient characteristics
negative experiences associated with CAM therapies as well as disease characteristics, to predict which patients
compared to conventional medications. It should be may be most at risk from specific CAM modalities.
emphasized that there is a critical need for strategies Qualitative studies examining patients’ experiences and
that facilitate open and honest communication between perceptions of CAM therapies are also required and would
patients and physicians regarding all aspects of their provide valuable insights. 144
healthcare experiences, including the use of CAM
therapies. 148 A multi-dimensional and comprehensive approach
is essential for effectively evaluating the potential
It would be beneficial for healthcare professionals implementation of CAM practices within healthcare
to routinely inquire about their patients’ use of CAM systems. This necessitates a comprehensive investigation
therapies and assure them that such use is both acceptable encompassing several key areas. These areas include
and understandable. This proactive approach will facilitate assessing the prevalence of CAM use within the target
the collection of valuable data on the benefits and population and gaining a comprehensive understanding
potential risks associated with various CAM modalities. of public attitudes and needs regarding these therapies.
Furthermore, it will empower patients to make informed Ensuring the safety and efficacy of CAM practices is
and realistic treatment decisions while ensuring their paramount, requiring rigorous scientific evaluation and
overall safety. 149 comparative assessments of their effectiveness relative to
conventional medicine. 153
Healthcare professionals should actively pursue
education on CAM therapies, becoming familiar with Moreover, a holistic understanding of CAM outcomes
the most commonly utilized modalities by their patient necessitates a deeper exploration of the interplay between
populations. This knowledge will enable them to effectively patient beliefs, expectations, and the broader healthcare
advise patients against potentially dangerous combinations context. The development and rigorous evaluation
of CAM and conventional treatments, as well as recognize of diverse models for integrating CAM into existing
and appropriately manage any complications arising from healthcare systems are indispensable for achieving
CAM use. In addition, this knowledge will empower successful and sustainable implementation. This includes
healthcare professionals to educate patients about the critically examining existing integration models to identify
potential benefits and risks associated with CAM therapies, their strengths and limitations, thereby paving the way
particularly when used in conjunction with other CAM for innovative CAM integration models that effectively
modalities. 150,151 address the evolving needs of the public. 154
In this context, fostering positive perceptions of CAM To enhance the effectiveness of discussions regarding
among medical students before they enter into medical the integration of IM within healthcare systems,
practice may help bridge the existing gap between patients particularly in regions characterized by diverse religious
and physicians. Investigating medical students’ attitudes and cultural practices, the following considerations should
155
towards CAM will not only underscore the necessity for be taken into account (Figure 1):
comprehensive CAM-related education but also facilitate (i) Conduct thorough research and assessment: Evaluate
the development of innovative and patient-centered the evidence base for specific CAM practices, assess
approaches to integrated healthcare delivery. 152 the cultural relevance of these practices within the

Volume 9 Issue 1 (2025) 55 doi: 10.36922/ejmo.6765