title: Overview of Integrative Medicine Practices and Policies in NATO Participant Countries.
abstract: Background:CAMbrella is a European research network for complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). Between January 2010 and December 2013 the CAMbrella consortium reviewed the status of CAM in Europe from the perspectives of: (1) terminology for description; (2) citizens' needs and expectations; (3) patients' usage patterns; (4) providers' practice patterns; and (5) regulatory and legal status in Europe. Together, this data was used to form a set of recommendations to the European Commission, the European Parliament, and national policy makers and civil society stakeholders. These recommendations can serve as a roadmap for European CAM research.Objective:This article aims to inform the reader about CAM prevalence, usage perspectives, and the future roadmap for CAM practices and research within the European Union.Method:This overview describes CAM status in the European Union, using the CAMbrella consortium projects as the source of information.Conclusions:The North Atlantic Treaty Organization is positioned as a potential foundation for inclusion of CAM modalities within the militaries as well for as collaborative research on safe and cost-effective practices.
authors.affiliation: Professor, Complementary and Alternative Medicine Department, Pécs University Medical School , Pécs, Hungary .
authors.forename: Gabriella
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Hegyi
authors.affiliation: United States Army, Chairman, NATO HFM-195 Task Force, Integrative Medicine Interventions for Military Personnel , El Paso, TX.
authors.forename: Richard P
authors.initials: RP
authors.lastname: Petri
authors.affiliation: Professor, Observatory and Methods for Health, University of Milano-Biocca , Milano, Italy .
authors.forename: Paolo
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Roberti di Sarsina
authors.affiliation: Director, United States Air Force Acupuncture and Alternative Medicine Center , Malcolm Grow Medical Clinic, Joint Base Andrews, MD.
authors.forename: Richard C
authors.initials: RC
authors.lastname: Niemtzow
keywords: CAM; CAMbrella Pan-European Project; Legislation of CAM; Regulation; Reimbursement; Survey on Members of EU; Usage of CAM