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CAMELOT (Complementary and Alternative Medicine, Economics, Lifestyle and Other Therapeutic approaches for chronic conditions) is the name we use to refer to this project. The full title of the study is Care-seeking, use of CAM, and self-management among people with type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. The study commenced in late 2008 and will run to late 2011. This project has been funded by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) of Australia (NHMRC no. 491171).
Chronic disease and related health problems are increasing in prevalence in Australia. Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) or natural therapies provide an increasingly popular form of self-care for such conditions, used by up to 70% of Australians at an estimated annual cost of around $4 billion according to recent estimates. Despite the high levels of use and associated costs, there is little information about how and why people with chronic conditions use CAMs. This study seeks to fill this gap.
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Through this study we are exploring the reasons for the use of CAM practitioners and therapies by people diagnosed with and under treatment for cardiovascular disease or/and Type 2 diabetes. The focus is on what is described as the “drivers, costs and benefits” of the use of CAM. The study does not involve any clinical intervention, but participation in an interview, focus group or survey.
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Using an innovative interdisciplinary approach and a mix of research methods, the research will provide a unique evidence-base on community approaches to the use of CAM, and the significance of this to current and future health needs. This research will have important implications for the control of these diseases and understanding individual wellbeing. It will also strengthen Australia’s research capacity in health social sciences and public health in this field, generating new skills important to population health practice and policy in this country.
WHAT IS CAM?
For the purpose of this research, CAMs are considered to be therapies or practices outside the healthcare system used to assist in the management of cardiovascular disease or/and Type 2 diabetes, and to help increase health or wellbeing. CAM therapies might include (but are not limited to):
- Self-help therapies, for example the use of vitamin, mineral, herbal or other supplements, prayer.
- Visits to an alternative, integrative or natural healthcare practitioners including: Acupuncturist, anthroposophical (Steiner) practitioner, aromatherapist, astrologer, Bowen therapist, Ayurvedic or Chinese medicine practitioner, chiropractor, crystal or energy healer, herbalist, homeopath, iridologist, kinesiologist, massage therapist, naturopath, nutritionist, osteopath, pranic healer, reflexologist, reiki practitioner, spiritual healer, traditional healer, and MANY others.
- Group participation in things like yoga, meditation, Tai chi, Qigong, prayer, healing.
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