Complementary and Alternative Medicine
The growing discipline of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) encompasses health care practices that are not part of the mainstream health care system in the United States but may contribute to health by diversifying our approaches in medicine and extending our concepts in biology. RAND Corporation researchers conduct evidence-based research on alternative approaches to illness prevention and treatment as well as studies aimed at understanding the place of CAM within the context of the health care system as a whole. Our current studies are highlighted below.
Profiles of Current Research
The Safety of Probiotics When Used to Treat or Prevent Health Conditions
A systematic review of the adverse effects observed in trials examining the effectiveness and/or safety of probiotic products and adverse events reported in individual case studies. Contact: Susanne Hempel, PhD (Susanne_Hempel@rand.org)
Treatment of Acute Otitis Media
A systematic review of the effectiveness and safety of agents used to treat acute otitis media in children, including alternative treatments such as probiotics. Contact: Sydne Newberry, PhD (Sydne_Newberry@rand.org)
Treating and Preventing Food Allergy
A systematic review of the literature on the effectiveness of various interventions to treat or to prevent the development of food allergy in infants at high risk because of family history, including probiotics, and on the validity of diagnostic tests for food allergy. Contact: Margaret Maglione, MPP (Margaret_Maglione@rand.org)
Integrative Pain Management in a Military Hospital
A project to transform the pain rehabilitation program at Tripler Army Medical Center into a model Integrative Pain Management Center with an interdisciplinary team of both traditional and complementary care practitioners. Contact: Ian Coulter, PhD (Ian_Coulter@rand.org)
Long-Range Planning for Integrative Care Within DoD
A project to provide a long-range plan for establishing an integrated employee health program within the Department of Defense and to develop options for organizing and implementing the plan. Contact: Ian Coulter, PhD (Ian_Coulter@rand.org)
Highlights of Recent Studies
Insurance Companies' Fears of Covering Acupuncture Appear Unfounded — 2008
This fact sheet describes how patients' use of acupuncture affects use of conventional medical services and suggests that acupuncture often substitutes for other, more expensive services, thereby reducing total medical costs.
Related Web Sites
Working with Congress
RAND’s Office of Congressional Relations (OCR) furthers RAND’s mission to provide objective analysis and effective solutions by disseminating research results to Congress and federal agencies. OCR publishes a monthly electronic newsletter featuring current work on health policy. The RAND Health Congressional Newsletter is found at www.rand.org/congress/newsletters.html. Contact: Winfield Boerckel (winfield_boerckel@rand.org).
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