What can I do?
Doctors, nurse practitioners, pharmacists and allied health professionals can use the trustworthy information and resources to guide discussions with patients about CM, in NHMRC Resource for Clinicians.
Fact Sheets - Information for Consumers from the National Institute of Complementary Medicine (NICM) may be useful for people in your care.
To be aware of the effectiveness, benefits, risks and safety of treatment choices, ask people in your care whether they are using any complementary or alternative medicine, particularly prescribed or ‘over the counter’ (OTC) herbal and vitamin supplements.
Check how CMs may affect prescription and over-the-counter medicines.
Ensure that information about the complementary medicine that an older person is using is correctly documented.
Be aware that although the evidence base for these therapies is lacking, the use is a very personal choice. Have an open and non-judgemental dialogue.