Complementary therapies in medicine
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Complement Ther Med · Apr 2013
ReviewUse of complementary and alternative medicine by children in Europe: published data and expert perspectives.
Few data document the use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) in Europe, with even fewer investigating use by children. ⋯ This precursor for further surveys indicates that CAM appears to be popular not only among adults in Europe, but also for children. Development of a pan-European definition of CAM use and CAM therapies are required to achieve surveys comparable between European countries. Additionally, more research investigating the efficacy and potential adverse effects of CAM therapies is needed because of increasing CAM use by children in Europe.
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Complement Ther Med · Apr 2013
ReviewComplementary and alternative medicine in paediatrics in daily practice--a European perspective.
Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is used by both adults and children in Europe. Diverse cultural, ethnic and historical preconditions in European countries result in broad differences between the types of CAM practiced, prevalence of CAM use and integration in the health system. To date, no survey of CAM availability to paediatric patients in Europe exists. ⋯ Every child in Europe has access to CAM treatment, mainly in private practices, whereas CAM outpatient clinics and inpatient services for children are rare. This is in contrast to adult treatment facilities, many of which offer CAM services, and the high percentage of European children using CAM.
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Complement Ther Med · Feb 2013
ReviewThe role of acupuncture in emergency department settings: a systematic review.
Patients with non-emergent and non-life threatening conditions often present to the emergency department (ED), which hinders the efficient utilisation of healthcare resources. Acupuncture has frequently been used for such common conditions, although not in the ED context. This study aimed to evaluate the current evidence for acupuncture treatment in the ED and to inform future randomised controlled trials (RCTs) for acupuncture in ED settings. ⋯ The current evidence is insufficient to make any recommendations concerning the use of acupuncture in the ED. The effectiveness and safety as well as the feasibility of acupuncture should be tested in future RCTs.
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Complement Ther Med · Oct 2012
ReviewCosts and consequences of acupuncture as a treatment for chronic pain: a systematic review of economic evaluations conducted alongside randomised controlled trials.
The economic burden that chronic pain conditions impose on individuals and society is significant. Acupuncture appears to be a clinically effective treatment for some chronic pain conditions. Given the need for policy decisions to be informed by economic evaluations, the objective of this systematic review was to synthesise data from economic evaluations to determine whether acupuncture for the treatment of chronic pain conditions is good value for money. ⋯ The cost per QALY gained in all seven cost-utility studies was found to be below typical thresholds of willingness to pay. Acupuncture appears to be a cost-effective intervention for some chronic pain conditions.
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To describe Pilates exercise according to peer-reviewed literature, and compare definitions used in papers with healthy participants and those with low back pain. ⋯ There is a general consensus in the literature of the definition of Pilates exercise. A greater emphasis may be placed on posture in people with low back pain, whilst traditional principles, apart from breathing, may be less relevant.