Referring for alternative therapy

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Introduction


When Western medicine cannot provide adequate relief of symptoms for patients living with chronic or life-limiting conditions, incorporating complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) may help. In one survey, almost 54 per cent of family care givers reported CAM use in the final six months of life by their decease family member.

In the case of Mr. Stevens, you will learn skills for working with patients who seek a complementary approach to relieving their symptoms.

Learning Objectives

    After completing this case you will be able to:
  • Negotiate treatment plans with patients who elect to use CAM along with conventional therapies.
  • Refer patients for CAM based on the evidence.
  • Monitor patients' use of CAM.


What percentage of people near end-of-life use CAM? (N=43)1

Respondents who reported CAM use by their deceased family member 53.7%
By age:
For decedents under age 65 72.1%
For decedents age 65 or older 50.6%