Ethics of complementary and alternative medicine use in children

Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) has enjoyed tremendous public interest in North America in recent years. CAM is used most often by those who have serious, chronic, or recurrent illness, sometimes for symptom control and sometimes to combat the primary disease. Others use CAM to promote...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inThe Pediatric clinics of North America Vol. 54; no. 6; p. 875
Main Authors Vohra, Sunita, Cohen, Michael H
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published United States 01.12.2007
Subjects
Child
Child Health Services - ethics
Complementary Therapies - ethics
Complementary Therapies - utilization
Humans
Pediatrics - ethics
Personal Autonomy
Social Responsibility
Social Values
United States
United States
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Summary:Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) has enjoyed tremendous public interest in North America in recent years. CAM is used most often by those who have serious, chronic, or recurrent illness, sometimes for symptom control and sometimes to combat the primary disease. Others use CAM to promote wellness or as a prophylaxis. CAM therapies are increasingly being offered in conventional medical settings and at various other centers and institutes. The relevant ethical commitments or values that must be considered are social commitment to public welfare, nonmaleficence, respect for patient autonomy/consumer choice, recognition of medical pluralism, and public accountability. This article explores the major ethical principles involved in pediatric CAM use and how they affect clinical care and research.
ISSN:0031-3955
1557-8240
DOI:10.1016/j.pcl.2007.10.004