title: Alternative and complementary therapies.
abstract: The field of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is broad and diverse, comprising numerous therapeutic modalities. CAM therapies are viewed as either an adjunct or a complement to conventional treatment. As of 1997, 64% of United States medical schools included elective or required CAM courses. The number of CAM practitioners in the United States is projected to increase by 88% between 1994 and 2010, and the number of conventional physicians who incorporate CAM into their practices will increase by 16%. Patients and their parents can make various health care choices; doctors need to understand and respect these options, and to support them, if safe and effective.
authors.affiliation: Adolescent Medicine Section, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital and Medical Center, Seattle, WA 98105, USA. cora.breuner@seattlechildrens.org
authors.forename: Cora Collette
authors.initials: CC
authors.lastname: Breuner
mesh_terms: D015670:Acupuncture Therapy; D000529:Complementary Therapies / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D029001:Herbal Medicine; D006705:Homeopathy; D006801:Humans; D026201:Musculoskeletal Manipulations; D026443:Spiritual Therapies