View full article | Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine – The Final Frontier?

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Abstract

Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) has historically relied upon traditional use and expert opinion as sources of evidence. The impact of evidence-based medicine (EBM) on CAM is unclear. Several challenges exist in the implementation of EBM to CAM as the underlying philosophies of CAM are widely diverse and many practitioners have seen rigorous trials as being overly reductionistic. We describe the rapid adoption of EBM approaches in CAM and the difficulties observed in adopting a new clinical approach in a field where many practitioners are at odds with the EBM philosophy.

Edward Mills DPH, MSc
Jason W. Busse DC, MSc
Kumanan Wilson MD, MSc, FRCP(C)