3.1. As a care worker in a specific care setting:
3.1.a. Explain what you understand by reliability of information during complementary therapies.
As a care worker in a specific care setting such as geriatric care or cancer care, there has to be more than enough information needed to support any decision to turn to complimentary therapies for relief. Although some of the unconventional therapies are said to have originated from ancient practices, it is still not enough to justify its effectiveness and reliability. Some health clinics offering alternative healing advertise their services through the internet, newspaper or magazine. There is still a need for further assessment of the therapy's real contribution to health recovery as well as the risks involve. When we say reliable information, it means the facts being presented to support claims about a particular complimentary therapy's effectiveness has to be scientifically and clinically tested (Nccam.nih.gov n.d.). People cannot afford to rely on what everybody else is saying about a certain therapy or media advertisements. This is because, if the desired complimentary therapy was not evaluated of its clinical claims, there is a possibility that the therapy might cause more health damage than relief.
3.1.b. Give an example of complementary therapies to explain how you will analyse the reliability of sources of information on complementary therapies.
There are several forms of complimentary therapies out there that offers different sort of healing properties. However, sorting out the most reliable is a tricky business. It is because the amount and type of information about certain alternative therapies vary from every source's. Acupuncture is an example of complementary therapy. For a cancer patient the use of acupuncture would help him manage the side-effects of chemotherapy such as nausea (Cancer.ca 2012). However, getting into the alternative means making prior analysis of the information source's reliability. Media publications would not help create a credible picture of the therapy, otherwise consulting the information found with a physician first would actually help in the verification process. Researching for scientifically based studies and literature published by health practitioners can also quantify the information whether acupuncture can help cure nausea.
3.1.c. Explain what you understand by validity of information during complementary therapies.
Validity of information means that the presented information came from qualified professionals that spent their career studying different forms of complementary therapies. For example, integrative oncology care supports complementary therapies as part of the whole treatment process. However, the underlying principles of the complementary therapies must emphasize, compliment and respect the principles of Oncology. In order to determine the connection between the two treatment principles, there has to be substantial evidence to support the need for complementary therapy (Leis, Weeks and Verhoef 2008). There has to be an indicative information that points out the importance of the alternative therapy and the evidence must justify that the therapy is crucial in the healing process of the cancer patient. If the evidence found linking the conventional and alternative therapy appears to contradict in principles, then, the oncology care principles should outweigh that of the alternative therapy.
3.2. Give an example of complementary therapies to explain how you will analyse the validity of sources of information of your choice on complementary therapies.
Homeopathy, Naturopathy, Ayuverda, Chiropractic and massage are complementary therapies often associated to clinical therapy practices because of its proven beneficial effects to older male adults in terms of improving physical health. In terms of analyzing the validity of source of information, consulting clinical studies and getting opinions from health professionals help quantify the information to be valid. There are several steps that were considered to prove the validity of information during the complementary therapies. SF-12v2 or Medical Outcome Study Questionnaire version two is an example of assessment tool composed of 12-item questions. The results of SF-12v2 demonstrated strong validity of the aforementioned complementary therapies (Nguyen et all 2010). The use of such testing form helps analyze the validity of alternative therapies in relation to health outcomes after therapy.
3.1.e. Give two examples of service users, which the application of reliability and validity of sources of information on complementary therapies could be applied to.
The validity and reliability of sources of information on complementary therapies could be applied to service users such as Oncology care and Mental Health Services. The two service users apply validity and reliability through consultation projects and Medical Outcome Studies. The demand for complementary therapies in the two service users is increasing because of the cases that helped develop services related to mental health (Walton and Latham 2005). The validity process start from consultation of service users from informal carers, health services, social care professionals and providers of complementary therapy. With regard to Oncology care, the validity process is being done by measuring patient responses to both clinical and alternative therapy through questionnaires like SF-12v2. The studies conducted and the collected data from consultations are being evaluated to synthesize valid information linking complementary therapy with conventional therapy. This approach diversified the therapy options available for different patients that are thinking of turning to alternative ways of treatment (Ernst 2008).
3.2. From your own personal experience:
3.2.a. Explain the benefits and disadvantages of two complementary therapies of your choice.
The first complementary therapy that was mentioned earlier is acupuncture, which has been a traditional therapy method that had originated from the ancient Chinese civilization. On a more personal note based on experience, acupuncture has its advantage and disadvantages. The therapy is actually beneficial in such a way that it calms the mind of stress and provides immediate relief on physical problems such as muscle pain. On the other hand, acupuncture cannot detect other prevailing ailments thus, making it ineffective in delivering 100% full recovery from other illnesses other than the obvious ones. The other complementary therapy that I have personally tried is reflexology which focuses more on different massage techniques. The main advantage of reflexology is that it immediately alleviates physical related stress and problems. However, the downside effect it might worsen muscle pain and sometimes cramps after massage sessions especially when the therapist is not well trained. Therefore, when it comes to reflexology it would be better to find out the background experience of the therapist before booking for sessions.
3.2.b. Explain the importance of these benefits to the service users of your choice.
Service users of complementary therapy mentioned earlier rely on the benefits rather than than disadvantages. The advantages are important for the service users in order to maximize recovery potentials. In Oncology care for example, acupuncture is not relatively play the crucial role in eliminating the cancer cells. However, because cancer treatment requires chemotherapy, acupuncture helps in relieving nausea brought by chemotherapy. Therefore, the importance of the complementary therapy for the service user is to relieve the conventional therapy's side-effects. Regarding the relevance of reflexology advantages to service users such as mental health care, it is a fact that stimulating the muscles affect other parts of the body including the brain (Stephenson n.d.). For patients suffering anxiety attacks, emotional challenges and other stress-related problems, stimulating pressure points in the body has an adverse effect in reducing stress in the brain. Dr. William Fitzgerald established this principles since his discovery of the therapy in 1890s in the U.S, it was later introduced to Britain in 1960 as reflexology (Duncan n.d.).
3.2.c. Explain how you think that the service users might gain the access to claims the benefits of your chosen complementary therapies.
Given that acupuncture (a traditional Chinese therapy) have proven its reliability in providing significant relief to different illnesses and aiding Oncology in eliminating chemotherapy side-effects. Service users can gain access to beneficial claims of such complementary therapy by integrating the principles and methodologies of acupuncture in researching for new cancer treatment methods. Thomas (et al. 2005) conducted studies about the effectiveness of acupuncture in reducing pain. The studies revealed that both the clinical care and acupuncture care delivers the same significant improvement within a period of 12 to 24 months follow-up (Thomas et al. 2005). Service users can gain access to this information by integrating the practices together with conventional methods during therapies. Another way is for clinical care professionals to work together with acupuncture experts in developing integrated techniques combining the two therapies to create new principles in therapy. Reflexology on the other hand should collaborate with mental health professionals in creating new approach in improving mental conditions.
3.3. As a care worker in a health and social care sector
3.3.a. You need to make recommendations based on the evidence gathered for the use of complementary therapies of your choice and within specific service users who are using health and social care services.
Several studies has been published regarding the significant benefits of complementary therapies to different service users particularly those that are providing health and social care. Acupuncture for example was proven to alleviate pain of many sort. The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine or NCCAM commissioned research studies to substantiate its claim on the effectiveness of acupuncture through laboratory tests. The results indicated positive findings that acupuncture is 93% effective in eliminating body pain. Fact sheets from NCCAM have evaluated the information about CAM using meta-analyses and systematic reviews (Kaptchuk et all 2009). Therefore, acupuncture has enough valid information to justify recommendations to integrate and therapy to the conventional therapy practices done by service users such as Oncology care. The cost of medicating to fight cancer cells is staggering, on top of that is the maintenance medication that's dedicated to ease physical pain and chemotherapy side-effects. Acupuncture is relatively costs lower than synthetic of medication in terms of combined cost. Therefore, acupuncture is thereby recommended to take its place as a stable alternative to painkillers and chemotherapy side-effects. As for the advantages of reflexology that service users can benefits from, surveys conducted from 169 studies from 21 countries revealed that reflexology contributed 80% of recovery rate to 78 mental disorders (Holistichandsct.com n.d.). Given the ratio of improvement probability, reflexology can conclusively employ to treat mentally and emotionally challenged individuals. The use of reflexology targets to reduce depression, anxiety and other mental disturbances that could lead more serious illnesses. The core objective of reflexology is to stimulate the muscles and improve brain electrical signals causing the relaxing feel during therapy. The same principles derived from acupuncture applies to reflexology in terms of therapy cost. It is less expensive to visit a reflexologist than the accumulated cost of medication for mental conditions making it a more economical alternative than the usual mental health practices and treatment.
3.3.b Explain your future expectations on the use of complementary therapies of your choice for a particular service user.
The number of studies conducted to support the claims of complementary therapies have made an impression that the alternative therapies such as acupuncture and reflexology has a promising future in the medical science field. Since acupuncture is part of an old Chinese remedy tradition, it also embodies the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine basics. The five elements are consists of the five elements of the planet namely metal, earth, wood, fire and water. These elements make up the material world (Tcmbasics.com n.d.). Therefore, they have relevant connection to the physical human body. That connection can be harnessed in order to obtain well-being. This TCM principles play a crucial role in the effectiveness of the complementary therapy. The same can be said for reflexology because the principles applied in the therapy is the transfer of positive energy towards the patient and the absorption of the negative energy by the therapist. Therefore, the health community can expect reflexology to be a primary alternative that will be endorsed to the public as an official medically based therapy. Because of the positive outcomes in recent studies regarding reflexology, the future of the therapy can be expected to improve further posing a higher healing probability.
4.1. As a care worker that support the use of complementary therapies
4.1.a Explain what you understand on the current regulation systems for the use of complementary therapies.
Regulations governing the use of alternative therapy varies in each country. However, the medical society and the health sector introduced a set of guidelines that determines, which of the alternative therapies can be integrated to clinical practices. The main point of the regulation system is to determine those that can be used based on scientific evidence and clinically approved testings. With regard to acupuncture, it has been proven to reduce effects of chemotherapy in cancer patients such as nausea and vomiting (Ma 2009). Therefore, the current regulation system allows the use of such therapy as an alternative, but still not to be considered a direct treatment to cancer itself. Reflexology on the other hand is still not widely accepted an official medical therapy other than its practical application in Physical Therapy. It is still not considered a primary treatment that directly alleviates mental health conditions.
4.1.b Explain the effectiveness of the regulation on the complementary therapies of your choice.
The regulations governing the use of complementary therapy such as acupuncture for example has been effective in terms of eliminating non-professionals in practicing the therapy. Since acupuncture has been officially recognized as an integrated therapy for cancer patients, the government imposed licensee rule that ensures that only trained and real professionals would be practicing the therapy. It has been made effective since January 1st of 2011 under Section 12-29.5-104(3), CRS establishing licensing requirements for acupuncturist (National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine 2011). The license requirement is effective in maintaining the quality and ensuring the professional standards in acupuncture, making the therapy much more publicly recognized.
4.1.c Evaluate the importance of regulation in controlling the use of complementary therapies.
Regulations in any nature of civilized system of society is necessary in creating a controlled environment. The same principle applies to medical practices particularly the ones that were not scientifically recognized. Traditional and complementary therapy is among those practices that were seen as non-scientific hence are not reliable and valid as far as assurance of relief is concern. The problem with individuals practicing complementary therapy without sufficient knowledge, training and qualifications is that there is a possibility that they could cause more harm to the patient than good (World Health Organization 2004). Therefore, the regulating bodies impose rules ensuring that only qualified people are allowed to handle the delicate job of providing treatment.
4.1.d What are your own opinion/ideas on the future of regulation in monitoring the complementary therapies to prevent accident or injury to the users of the services?
Complementary therapy is still relatively new to the medical community, their acceptance as a valid form of health remedy is a challenge that they have to encounter in order to be recognized. However, there are people who claims to be an experienced complementary therapist after obtaining knowledge only from self learning. Complementary therapy has several technical knowledge and techniques that needs to be mastered in order to be called a therapist. Therefore, regulations are necessary to avoid malpractice even in alternative therapy. This is because complementary therapy concerns human health condition. The future of regulation in monitoring complementary therapy will soon cross boundaries of other alternative therapies because of the emerging scientific studies that justifies their beneficial claims. The emergence of new regulations will protect patients from malpractices. Service users need to be assured of the validity and effectiveness of the alternative therapy and prevent as much injuries as possible from malpractices. Therefore, the future of regulation system would be much comprehensive and will soon cover a wider scope of safety concerns for the service users.
4.2.a You need to suggest on how government should improve the use of complementary therapies of your choice.
It is apparent that malpractice in complementary therapy will cause severe damage to the patient's health and possibly death. To avoid such thing to happen, the government should put their hands into the matter and help improve the use of alternative therapies. There are several things that the government can do in order to make improvements. Acupuncture for example needs to have a policy constituting that it can only be used alongside with conventional medication and upon the doctor's request. Although the patient has the autonomy to choose the mode of therapy he wants, the government must ensure that there are sufficient policies that will set the limitations of complementary therapy use for patients that volunteered for it (Betterhealth.vic.gov.au 2012). Enhancements can be done by requiring complementary therapy practitioners to undergo training programs provided by the government. The government could also commission research works to further explore the beneficial potentials of complementary therapy, particularly acupuncture.
4.2.b Give examples with a specific service user to explain your recommendation for improving regulatory systems for the use of complementary therapies.
An example of the specific service user of complementary therapy is the oncology care units of hospitals and cancer organizations such as The National Cancer Institute. The organization is widely promoting the use of acupuncture as a primary pain reliever during cancer treatment and to alleviate chemotherapy side-effects such as nausea and vomiting (Cancer.gov 2012). However, the regulations governing the use of acupuncture in field of oncology has not yet been fully established. Therefore, threats are still present in the use of complementary therapy particularly when therapy practices were done by the wrong person. Cancer patients are already undergoing severe health condition and furthering the agony because of the use of complementary therapy will only make the patient's condition worse.
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