The journal of alternative and complementary medicine : research on paradigm, practice, and policy
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J Altern Complement Med · Jan 2017
Providers' and Administrators' Perceptions of Complementary and Integrative Health Practices Across the Veterans Health Administration.
Use of complementary and integrative health (CIH) therapies is being promoted by the Veterans Health Administration (VA), but promotion may not equate to adoption. The purpose of this study was to explore whether perceptions regarding CIH at one VA medical center (VAMC) were similar to perceptions from a sample of other VAMCs. ⋯ Almost half of active-duty military personnel report the use of at least one type of CIH therapy. As active-duty personnel transition to veteran status, both their physical and mental healthcare needs can potentially benefit from CIH therapies. The VA must actively support local enthusiastic CIH proponents and receive congressional support if it is to actually meet its stated goal of providing personalized, proactive, patient-driven healthcare through the promotion of comprehensive CIH services to veterans.
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J Altern Complement Med · Dec 2016
Randomized Controlled TrialA Qualitative Study on the Practice of Yoga for Women with Pain-Associated Endometriosis.
To understand the meaning women with pain-associated endometriosis attribute to yoga practice regarding their physical and emotional state at the beginning of the practice; pain management by integrating body and mind; secondary benefits of the practice of yoga, such as self-knowledge, self-care, and autonomy; and the role of the yoga group as psychosocial support. ⋯ Bodily and psychosocial mechanisms to control pain were identified in women with endometriosis. To reach such control, it is crucial that mind and body integrative techniques are learned.
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J Altern Complement Med · Dec 2016
Qualitative Assessment of Patients Receiving Prolotherapy for Knee Osteoarthritis in a Multimethod Study.
Randomized and open-label studies assessing prolotherapy for knee osteoarthritis have found quantitative improvement on the validated Western Ontario McMaster University Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) compared with baseline status and control therapies. This study assessed the qualitative response of participants receiving prolotherapy, an injection-based complementary treatment for symptomatic knee osteoarthritis (OA). ⋯ Most participants reported substantially improved knee-specific effects, resulting in improved quality of life and activities of daily living; four participants reported minimal or no effect. Clear, complete description of procedural rationale may enhance optimism about and adherence to treatment appointments.
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J Altern Complement Med · Nov 2016
Complementary and Alternative Medicine Use for HIV Management in the State of Florida: Medical Monitoring Project.
The aims of this study were to describe complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use and to assess the relationships between CAM use and antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) RNA viral load suppression among a sample of persons living with HIV (PLWH) engaged in care in the state of Florida. ⋯ CAM use was not associated with negative effects on ART adherence. CAM users were less likely to have detectable viral load compared with non-users. Future research should focus on CAM use among PLWH not engaged in HIV care and the longitudinal patterns of CAM use and possible effects of long-term health outcomes.
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J Altern Complement Med · Nov 2016
Development and Validation of the EXPECT Questionnaire: Assessing Patient Expectations of Outcomes of Complementary and Alternative Medicine Treatments for Chronic Pain.
Patient expectations may be associated with outcomes of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) treatments for chronic pain. However, a psychometrically sound measure of such expectations is needed. ⋯ The Expectations for Complementary and Alternative Medicine Treatments (EXPECT) questionnaire can be used in research to assess individuals' expectations of treatments for chronic pain. It is recommended that the three hope questions are included (but not scored) to help respondents distinguish between hopes and expectations. The short form may be appropriate for clinical settings and when expectation measurement is not a primary focus.