Provision and Access to Information on Complementary and Alternative Medicine: What are the Existing Knowledge Gaps among Users and Practitioners?

Abstract

compiemenrari and Ahernativc Medicine (Cl Al) usage is increasing in b0111 developed and developing countries. CAM is comprised of medical sy.slems, practices, interventions, applications, theories or claims that are not currently part of the C011rellti017(11 (Western) medical system. It is however acknowledged that many users of CAM are less informed about the benefits and possible side effects they are likely to encounter while using such health care system. This is partly attributed to inadequate documented information and unifOrmalised channels .fin- information and knowledge sharing on complementary CHO alternative medicine. A systematic literature review was conducted to examine the current trend of CAM usage as' well as provision and accessibility of CAM-related information in order to identifi• the existing knowledge gaps among CAM practitioners and users. Recommendations on how to address the existing knowledge gaps are provided.