AAP releases Recommendations regarding Complementary Therapies

Revised recommendation has released regarding pediatric integrative medicine have been released by American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) to help clinicians attend to various pediatric integrative medicine strategies with patients. The recommendations, published online in Pediatrics, update the original 2008 statement on complementary medicine.

It was noted by the AAP that some form of complementary therapy in the past year was resorted to by 1 in every 10 children.In chronic illnesses more than 50% among children have used complementary therapies. The updated guidelines are intended to guide parents through safe and effective use of complementary therapies in children and make them aware of medicolegal, ethical, and research aspects of same.;

"Because most families use complementary and integrative health services without spontaneously reporting this use to their primary care provider, pediatricians can best provide appropriate advice and counseling if they regularly inquire about all the therapies the family is using to help the child," the AAP wrote.

Parents who use complementary therapies are most likely to try them for their children, the authors explain. These decisions may be driven by family beliefs, fear of adverse drug affects, a desire to boost the effects of conventional therapies, or a desire to improve overall health

The AAP has also developed the following "ARMED" practical tips to help clinicians address complementary approaches with parents:

• Ask about the complementary therapies used by patients


• Respect the family's perspectives, values, and cultural beliefs throughout the discussion


• Monitor the patient's response to treatment and establish measurable outcomes for evaluation


• Educate the patient by identifying credible resources on complementary therapies


• Distribute evidence-based information about relevant therapies available from the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, Academic Consortium for Integrative Medicine and Health member institutions, and publications from peer-reviewed journals.

The AAP provided an overview of a number of common complementary therapies, including biologically based practices, dietary supplements commonly used in children, herbal products, mind-body therapies, movement or body-based practices, acupuncture, and biofield therapies.

"Pediatricians should seek continued and updated knowledge about therapeutic options available to their patients (whether they are mainstream or complementary) and about the specific services used by individual patients to promote discussion about the safety, appropriateness, and advisability of complementary therapies," the authors of the guideline concluded. "Only then can pediatricians appreciate the concerns of their patients and families and offer them the thoughtful and knowledgeable guidance they may require."

"Many complementary therapies have significant potential to widen the scope of treatments available for children, especially for those dealing with pain or chronic conditions that are difficult to manage," Dr Mc Clafferty said. "The key is open and ongoing discussion about promising benefits, weighed against possible risks any treatments used."

Pediatricians should seek continued and updated knowledge about therapeutic options available to their patients (whether they are mainstream or complementary) and about the specific services used by individual patients to promote discussion about the safety, appropriateness, and advisability of complementary therapies. Only then can pediatricians appreciate the concerns of their patients and families and offer them the thoughtful and knowledgeable guidance they may require. Given accruing supporting evidence and the potential of integrative approaches to improve preventive care in children, policy and health insurance coverage should evolve accordingly to provide fair coverage for patients and equitable payment for physicians.

The authors have disclosed no relevant financial relationships.