Article
Oncology
Nazi Nejat, Amir Rahbarian, Fatemeh Mehrabi, Fatemeh Rafiei
Summary: This study investigated the prevalence of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use among cancer patients in Iran. The findings showed that 44.3% of the 320 participants were using CAM. Most patients used CAM to improve their physical condition and used it alongside conventional medical treatments. Common CAM treatments included visiting holy places, practicing yoga, engaging in prayer therapy, and using medicinal plants and special diets.
JOURNAL OF CANCER RESEARCH AND CLINICAL ONCOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Hongmin Chu, Seunghwan Moon, Jeongsu Park, Seongjun Bak, Youme Ko, Bo-Young Youn
Summary: The development of artificial intelligence in complementary and alternative medicine has been rapidly advancing. This systematic scoping review identified three main categories of AI usage in CAM, including acupuncture treatment, tongue and lip diagnoses, and herbal medicine. Future research should focus on verifying and validating these AI models through large-scale clinical trials.
FRONTIERS IN PHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Belay Erchafo, Lonsako Abute, Tegegn Tedesse, Tagesse Sedoro, Aregash Mecha
Summary: Despite the increasing availability of modern medicine, a significant proportion of the global population still relies on complementary and alternative medicine. This study examined the knowledge, attitude, and practice of healthcare professionals towards complementary and alternative medicine in South Ethiopia and identified associated factors. The findings revealed a low level of knowledge, attitude, and practice of complementary and alternative medicine among healthcare professionals.
Review
Dermatology
Elizabeth Tkachenko, Jean-Phillip Okhovat, Priya Manjaly, Kathie P. Huang, Maryanne M. Senna, Arash Mostaghimi
Summary: This study identified various complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapies for the treatment of alopecia areata (AA), including essential oil aromatherapy, topical garlic, and oral glucosides of peony with compound glycyrrhizin. Hypnosis and mindfulness psychotherapy showed low-quality evidence for improvement of psychologic and quality of life outcomes. Adverse events were rare and mild for all therapies evaluated.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN ACADEMY OF DERMATOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Alexandra Adamietz, Alexander Boosz, Andreas Mueller, Daniela Hornung, Katharina Trunk, Matthias W. Beckmann, Ralf Dittrich, Carolin C. Hack
Summary: This study found that the majority of women with endometriosis are interested in using CAM methods, but only a minority have detailed knowledge about it. Nevertheless, a majority of the patients had used at least one CAM method to relieve symptoms associated with the disease, with exercise being the most frequently used method.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY AND REPRODUCTIVE BIOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Pediatrics
Zahra Zhu, Daniela Dluzynski, Nouran Hammad, Deepika Pugalenthi, Sarah A. Walser, Rea Mittal, Debopam Samanta, Melanie L. Brown, Ali A. Asadi-Pooya, Angelina Kakooza-Mwesige, Alberto Spalice, Martina Capponi, Alain Lekoubou, Ashutosh Kumar, Sita Paudel, Paul R. Carney, Gayatra Mainali, Sunil Naik
Summary: Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is widely used in pediatric epilepsy, including supplements, cannabis products, aromatherapy, herbal remedies, dietary therapy, massage therapy, and prayer. Although families often perceive CAM as effective, there is limited objective evidence. Potential risks include the use of herbal remedies and/or unregulated, contaminated, or unpurified products. Studies also highlight inadequate patient-physician discussions regarding CAM.
Article
Integrative & Complementary Medicine
Abdul Rahman Jazieh, Khadega A. Abuelgasim, Husam Ardah, Mohammad Alkaiyat, Omar B. Da'ar
Summary: This study evaluated the trends of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use among cancer patients, showing significant changes in CAM use over the decade, reflecting major societal and cultural changes in the beliefs towards cancer treatment.
BMC COMPLEMENTARY MEDICINE AND THERAPIES
(2021)
Review
Oncology
Bo-Young Youn, Jie-Won Cha, Sungsu Cho, So-Mi Jeong, Hyo-Jung Kim, Seong-Gyu Ko
Summary: This review aimed to understand the perception, attitudes, and knowledge of healthcare professionals toward using CAM for cancer patients. The study found that nurses had more positive views, oncologists were concerned about herb-drug interactions, integration of CAM into the healthcare system was favorable, and there was a need for specific CAM training for healthcare professionals. Future studies should explore the views of cancer patients and the detailed evidence of CAM in oncology settings.
Article
Pediatrics
Bjorn Vos, Jan Peter Rake, Arine Vlieger
Summary: Pediatric use of complementary and alternative medicine is common in the Netherlands, but the risks associated with it are largely unknown. A 3-year survey found relatively few cases of adverse events, mostly caused by delaying or stopping conventional treatment. It is important for parents, pediatricians, and CAM providers to be vigilant for both direct and indirect adverse events in children using CAM, especially in infants.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PEDIATRICS
(2021)
Article
Oncology
Shahla Bari, Iloabueke Chineke, Alicia Darwin, Anam Umar, Heather Jim, Jameel Muzaffar, Omer Kucuk
Summary: This study revealed that CAM awareness and usage rates are relatively low among medically underserved cancer patients, but there is a strong interest in gaining more information about various CAM options and potential benefits. Female patients and those with higher education levels tend to be more inclined towards the use of CAM therapies, with meditation, herbal remedies, and yoga being the most commonly chosen modalities.
INTEGRATIVE CANCER THERAPIES
(2021)
Review
Oncology
Ellen Simpson, Nijole Bernaitis, Sohil Khan, Gary Grant, Karly Forster, Shailendra Anoopkumar-Dukie
Summary: This literature review examines the provision of CAM education for people with cancer and their caregivers, as well as oncology health professionals. It found that these groups benefited from such education and recommended its implementation. Future research should focus on the target audience, accessible delivery platforms, and features that can enhance CAM knowledge.
SUPPORTIVE CARE IN CANCER
(2022)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Sareneya Dashni Rajahthurai, Muhammad Junaid Farrukh, Mohd Makmor-Bakry, Hui Jan Tan, Omotayo Fatokun, Shamin Mohd Saffian, Diana Laila Ramatillah
Summary: The study aimed to investigate the use patterns of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) and its impact on medication adherence among stroke patients. The analysis of 22 studies revealed a prevalence rate of CAM usage at approximately 38% and medication non-adherence rate at 29% among stroke patients. Lack of knowledge and the complexity of medication regimen were primary reasons for increased reliance on CAM and poor medication adherence.
FRONTIERS IN PHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Integrative & Complementary Medicine
Md Shahjalal, Jeff Gow, Md Ashfikur Rahman, Md Jakir Hossain, Md Nafiul Alam Khan, Md Sazzadul Alam, Ahmed Hossain, Rashidul Alam Mahumud
Summary: Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) plays a significant role in healthcare delivery in Bangladesh, with high levels of patient satisfaction and health benefits. Older and more educated patients are more hesitant to use CAM for their illnesses, but CAM has the potential to reduce hospitalization rates by providing high reliability and low costs.
BMC COMPLEMENTARY MEDICINE AND THERAPIES
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Karolina Kasprzycka, Marta Kurzawa, Malgorzata Kucharz, Monika Godawska, Marta Oleksa, Marta Stawowy, Katarzyna Slupinska-Borowka, Wiktoria Sznek, Iwona Gisterek, Agnieszka Boratyn-Nowicka, Monika Rucinska, Karolina Osowiecka, Sergiusz Nawrocki
Summary: This study investigated the use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), beliefs about CAM, and the purpose of using it among Polish cancer patients. The results showed that CAM was popular among Polish cancer patients, especially in younger, educated, and professionally active patients with longer cancer history at advanced stages. Patients mainly obtained information about CAM from the internet, friends, family, and other patients, and only a small percentage discussed using CAM with a doctor.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Kayla Gelow, Sai Chalasani, Kelsey Green, Craig Lammert
Summary: This study evaluated the prevalence and patterns of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use in patients with autoimmune hepatitis (AIH). It found that 56.4% of participants had used CAM, with a majority reporting improvement in AIH symptoms. However, concerns remain regarding potential drug interactions with conventional medications.
DIGESTIVE DISEASES AND SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Rehabilitation
William J. Farr, Dido Green, Stephen Bremner, Ian Male, Heather Gage, Sarah Bailey, Sandra Speller, Valerie Colville, Mandy Jackson, Anjum Memon, Christopher Morris
Summary: Virtual reality therapy using Nintendo Wii Fit(TM) for 12 weeks in children with cerebral palsy showed feasibility, with 21 out of 44 children completing the study. The therapy demonstrated potential as a therapeutic adjunct for children with cerebral palsy, indicating the need for further confirmatory studies.
DISABILITY AND REHABILITATION
(2021)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Melanie Rees-Roberts, Peter Williams, Ferhana Hashem, Charlotte Brigden, Kay Greene, Heather Gage, Mary Goodwin, Graham Silsbury, Bee Wee, Stephen Barclay, Patricia M. Wilson, Claire Butler
Summary: There is significant diversity among HAH services in England, with most services operating in mixed urban/rural and mixed deprivation areas. They provide hands-on care, symptom assessment and management, psychosocial support, and respite care, mainly funded by charity donations. Key enablers for service provision include working with local services, integrated health records, funding, and anticipatory care planning.
BMJ SUPPORTIVE & PALLIATIVE CARE
(2021)
Article
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Vasileios Stamou, Jenny La Fontaine, Mary O'Malley, Bridget Jones, Heather Gage, Jacqueline Parkes, Janet Carter, Jan Oyebode
Summary: This study explores the nature of post-diagnostic support services perceived positively by younger people with dementia and carers, aiming to build on 'what works' in real-life practice. The findings suggest that positive services can create an enabling-protective circle supporting young people with dementia in maintaining a positive identity in the face of the disease, laying the foundation for future good practice.
AGING & MENTAL HEALTH
(2021)
Article
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Vasileios Stamou, Jenny La Fontaine, Heather Gage, Bridget Jones, Peter Williams, Mary O'Malley, Jacqueline Parkes, Janet Carter, Jan Oyebode
Summary: Young onset dementia patients and family members have distinctive support needs, with specialist services showing better quality and satisfaction. More specialist services are needed to ensure access to appropriate care for all young onset dementia patients.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF GERIATRIC PSYCHIATRY
(2021)
Article
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Reena Devi, Neil H. Chadborn, Julienne Meyer, Jay Banerjee, Claire Goodman, Tom Dening, John R. F. Gladman, Kathryn Hinsliff-Smith, Annabelle Long, Adeela Usman, Gemma Housley, Sarah Lewis, Matthew Glover, Heather Gage, Philippa A. Logan, Finbarr C. Martin, Adam L. Gordon
Summary: This study explored how QICs work to improve healthcare in care homes, finding that QICs need to have a broad and easily understandable remit, recruit staff with established partnership working, build relationships, minimize hierarchy, protect and pay for staff time, enable staff to implement improvements aligned with existing work. However, teams did not use measurement for change, citing difficulties integrating this into pre-existing workload.
Article
Oncology
Lynn Batehup, Heather Gage, Peter Williams, Alison Richardson, Katya Porter, Peter Simmonds, Elizabeth Lowson, Lynne Dodson, Nicola Davies, Richard Wagland, Jane Winter, Andrew Turner, Jessica Corner
Summary: This study explored the supportive care needs of cancer survivors, characteristics of patients with high levels of unmet need, changes in unmet needs after treatment ends, and differences in unmet needs among breast, colorectal, and testicular survivors. Most survivors reported few unmet needs, but a small proportion had persisting or emerging needs, indicating the need for routine monitoring of unmet needs for personalized care delivery.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF CANCER CARE
(2021)
Article
Nursing
Adam Black, Molly Courtenay, Christine Norton, Bryony Dean Franklin, Trevor Murrells, Heather Gage
Summary: The study found that nurse medication provision by both nurse prescribers and patient group direction users is safe and associated with high patient satisfaction. Effects on clinic processes and costs were similar for both groups, indicating that both methods are effective in providing medication services.
JOURNAL OF ADVANCED NURSING
(2022)
Article
Nursing
Adam Black, Heather Gage, Christine Norton, Bryony Dean Franklin, Trevor Murrells, Molly Courtenay
Summary: The survey results showed that patients managed by independent nurse prescribers and nurses using patient group directions were highly satisfied with the consultation and medication information received. Patients reported that nurses were friendly, instilled confidence and trust, and explained medication reasons clearly.
JOURNAL OF ADVANCED NURSING
(2022)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Anuradhani Kasturiratne, Khadija I. Khawaja, Sajjad Ahmad, Samreen Siddiqui, Khurram Shahzad, Lathika K. Athauda, Ranil Jayawardena, Sara Mahmood, Mirthe Muilwijk, Tayyaba Batool, Saira Burney, Matthew Glover, Saranya Palaniswamy, Vodathi Bamunuarachchi, Manju Panda, Suren Madawanarachchi, Baldeesh Rai, Iqra Sattar, Wnurinham Silva, Swati Waghdhare, Marjo-Riitta Jarvelin, Ravindra P. Rannan-Eliya, Heather M. Gage, Irene G. M. van Valkengoed, Jonathan Valabhji, Gary S. Frost, Marie Loh, Ananda R. Wickremasinghe, Jaspal S. Kooner, Prasad Katulanda, Sujeet Jha, John C. Chambers
Summary: The study aims to compare the impact of a 12-month lifestyle intervention provided by community health workers on the risk of T2D in South Asians with central obesity or raised HbA1c. A total of 3600 South Asians were recruited for the study, which was conducted in India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and the UK.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Mirthe Muilwijk, Marie Loh, Samreen Siddiqui, Sara Mahmood, Saranya Palaniswamy, Khurram Shahzad, Lathika K. Athauda, Ranil Jayawardena, Tayyaba Batool, Saira Burney, Matthew Glover, Vodathi Bamunuarachchi, Manju Panda, Madawa Madawanarachchi, Baldeesh Rai, Iqra Sattar, Wnurinham Silva, Swati Waghdhare, Marjo-Riitta Jarvelin, Ravindra Prasan Rannan-Eliya, Nilmini Wijemunige, Heather M. Gage, Jonathan Valabhji, Gary S. Frost, Rajitha Wickremasinghe, Anuradhani Kasturiratne, Khadija Khawaja, Sajjad Ahmad, Irene G. M. van Valkengoed, Prasad Katulanda, Sujeet Jha, Jaspal S. Kooner, John C. Chambers
Summary: The study assessed the effectiveness of intensive family-based lifestyle intervention for South Asians at risk of T2D in terms of weight loss, improved glycaemia and blood pressure. The intervention group showed significant reductions in weight and waist circumference at 12 months, while the control group had smaller reductions.
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Mirthe Muilwijk, Marie Loh, Sara Mahmood, Saranya Palaniswamy, Samreen Siddiqui, Wnurinham Silva, Gary S. Frost, Heather M. Gage, Marjo-Riitta Jarvelin, Ravindra P. Rannan-Eliya, Sajjad Ahmad, Sujeet Jha, Anuradhani Kasturiratne, Prasad Katulanda, Khadija Khawaja, Jaspal S. Kooner, Ananda R. Wickremasinghe, Irene G. M. van Valkengoed, John C. Chambers
Summary: The iHealth-T2D trial aims to compare the effectiveness of an intensive family-based lifestyle modification programme for South Asians at high risk of T2D with usual care. The trial includes a total of 3682 participants across India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and the UK, and evaluates primary and secondary outcomes over a period of 3 years.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Andrew Davies, Melanie Waghorn, Megan Roberts, Heather Gage, Simon S. Skene
Summary: The 'CHELsea II' trial is a cluster randomised trial aiming to evaluate the effect of clinically assisted hydration (CAH) in patients in the last days of life. The trial will assess the impact of CAH on delirium, pain, and overall survival, as well as the tolerability and health economic impact of CAH. The results of the trial will be published in medical/palliative care journals and presented at conferences.
Article
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Khalid Ali, Ekow A. Mensah, Eugene Ace McDermott, Frances A. Kirkham, Jennifer Stevenson, Victoria Hamer, Nikesh Parekh, Rebekah Schiff, Tischa Van der Cammen, Stephen Nyangoma, Sally Fowler-Davis, Graham Davies, Heather Gage, Chakravarthi Rajkumar
Summary: This study aims to reduce medication-related harm (MRH) among older adults after hospital discharge by combining a Medicines Management Plan (MMP) and Discharge Medical Service (DMS). The study uses a randomized control trial design and recruits 682 older adults aged 65 and above who are about to be discharged from the hospital. The occurrence of MRH will be verified through telephone interviews and review of medical records. An economic and process evaluation will also be conducted to assess the cost and acceptability of the study methods.
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Morro M. L. Touray, David R. Cohen, Simon Robert Pask Williams, Mohammed Fasihul Alam, Sam Groves, Mirella Longo, Heather Gage
Summary: This study explores the relationship between bodyweight and individuals' time preference, finding that individuals with normal weight tend to have lower time preference and are more likely to invest in future health benefits. Additionally, significant relationships are found between bodyweight and employment status, physical activities, income levels, family orientation, and ethnicity. These findings have important implications for designing intervention programs to prevent overweight and obesity.
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Christos Kouimtsidis, Ben Houghton, Heather Gage, Caitlin Notley, Vivienne Maskrey, Allan Clark, Richard Holland, Anne Lingford-Hughes, Bhaskar Punukollu, Morro Touray, Theodora Duka
Summary: The research suggest that a structured preparation before alcohol detoxification may be effective in helping individuals to maintain longer periods of alcohol abstinence. Results show that the intervention group had more days of abstinence within the withdrawal period, indicating that further small-scale multicentered trials can be conducted to test the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of such an approach.
PILOT AND FEASIBILITY STUDIES
(2021)