Lakartidningen. 2001 Nov; 98(46): 5198-202.

[Complementary and alternative medicine--some ethical reflections]

AhlzÃ©n R.

Karlstads universitet. Rolf.Ahlzen@kau.se

CAM, Complementary and Alternative Medicine, exposes the clinician to a number of ethical challenges. While sound scientific evidence supporting clinical procedures is always recommendable, it is nevertheless acceptable to use CAM-procedures if they can reasonably be judged as harmless, and if conventional therapy offers little or no help. This is in line with the last revision of the Helsinki declaration. The physician must establish a close and trustful relationship with her patient and be open to the potential residing in CAM for a more profound understanding of clinical practice.