Complementary Medicine (CM)

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.

Health care professionals (HCPs) need to ask people in their care whether they are using any complementary or alternative medicine, particularly prescribed or ‘over the counter’ (OTC) herbal and vitamin supplements, to be aware of the effectiveness, benefits, risks and safety of treatment choices. 

CMs can sometimes be associated with drug interactions or other risks. It is important to check how these products 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.

What can I learn?

Some good websites with information about complementary medicines include:

• Complementary medicines and the Australian regulatory guidelines for complementary medicines (ARGCM) from Therapeutic Goods Administration
• Understanding Complementary and Integrative Medicine and Complementary Medicine Resources from the National Institute of Complementary Medicine (NICM)
• MedlinePlus
• myDr
• National Centre for Complimentary and Integrative Health (USA)
• Healthdirect
• Complementary therapies used in palliative care and Specific Complementary Therapies on CareSearch website
• Complementary medicines explained from NPS MedicineWise
• National Center for Complementary and Alternative Therapy (USA)
• Office of Dietary Supplements (USA)

What can my organisation do?

Conduct an audit/survey of complementary medicines used by older people under the care of the organisation. Seek advice from a doctor or consultant pharmacist as to the effectiveness or risks associated with their use.

Education sessions offered by a consultant pharmacist can help staff understand the difference between complementary and alternative therapies as well as what the current evidence is regarding its use as adjuvant therapy along with conventional medical therapies.

If appropriate, provide staff with the opportunity to learn some basic skills in massage, and/or engage with physiotherapists to improve movement and provide suitable physical exercise.