The benefits of disclosing the availability of some complementary and alternative treatments in clinical practice.

This thesis assesses the benefits of disclosing the availability of complementary and alternative treatments in clinical practice. The history, current trends, and an overview of the current research on complementary and alternative medicine is outlined to delineate types of treatments that should be disclosed as alternative therapies. The discussion also incorporates an overview of medical paternalism to explain how the doctrines of patient autonomy and informed consent relate to the discussion. Disclosure of complementary and alternative treatments (CAM) promotes patient autonomy, more open communication regarding the use of CAM, can have preventative, palliative, or curative effects, and results in a more trusting patient-physician relationship. This thesis suggests that any complementary and alternative treatment with at least some scientific backing that does not pose any serious health or safety risks should be disclosed to the patient as an alternative or additional treatment option.