Traditional and complementary medicine in Australia: Clinical practice, research, education, and regulation

Abstract

Different modalities of traditional and complementary medicine (T&CM) are extensively used worldwide including Australia to treat ailments, maintain well-being either alone or in conjunction with conventional medicine. This wide prevalence also emphasizes the necessity for more research, education and regulation of different T&CM modalities to ensure their safety and efficacy. While several reports in the literature highlight different aspects of T&CM including clinical practice, research, education and regulation globally, recent comprehensive reviews on the current status of T&CM in Australia are limited. Therefore, this review was designed to critically analyze the literature on the present status of T&CM modalities including Traditional Chinese Medicine, chiropractic, naturopathy and Ayurveda in Australia and comprehensively summarize the key studies from an Australian perspective. Several key gaps in the evidence-based clinical practice (e.g., lack of patient-focused approach and communication between patients and health professionals), research (e.g., methodological flaws/inconsistencies, limited government funding, collaborative research, facilities, capability, and resources), education (e.g., lack of uniform minimum standard of education and limited courses) and regulation (e.g., self-regulated naturopathy) of T&CM in Australia were identified through this review. Furthermore, studies in the literature underlined that some T&CM modalities including naturopathy and Ayurveda require statutory and updated regulations, formal registration and proper training and education. A patient-focused approach in clinical practice and the generation of evidence through collaborative research (establishment of more practice-based research networks) among universities, T&CM industry and practitioners and more support from the government to conduct research and improve training and education are imperative for effective evidence-based practice of T&CM in Australia.