NIH launches CAM website for health care providers
According to NCCAM, the online resource will provide “easy access to evidence-based information” on CAM and allow health care providers to “be better able to discuss the safety and effectiveness of complementary and alternative medicine with their patients”.
The resource, available here, provides information, ranging from clinical practice guidelines to systematic review links, on a range of products, including dietary supplements, herbs, and probiotics.
"NCCAM is charged to study and provide evidence-based information on the safety and efficacy of CAM health practices that are readily available and already used by a great number of people," said Josephine Briggs, MD, director of NCCAM. "As a physician, I understand the need to have easily accessible and accurate information on all health practices. This Web resource is a way for NCCAM to share this valuable information with all providers."
About 40 percent of adults and 12 percent of children use some form of CAM, according to surveys. Almost $34 billion is spent on CAM products and practices every year in the US.
