In the case of Mr. Steven's, you learned that Complementary and Alternative Medicine is often used by patients with chronic or life-limiting illnesses when their symptoms are not well controlled by conventional medicine.
You learned that there are 8 steps to include when monitoring CAM use:
- Identify the symptoms to be addressed.
- Discuss the patient's preferences and expectations.
- Review issues of safety and efficacy.
- Advise on finding a suitable licensed provider.
- Provide questions for the patient to ask the provider.
- Schedule a follow-up visit or telephone call to review the treatment plan.
- Ask the patient to maintain a symptom diary.
- Follow up to review the response to treatment.