Investigating complementary and alternative medicine in maternity care: The need for further public health/health services research

摘要

The relationship between complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) and maternity care has attracted much attention over recent years and there has been a movement towards developing and promoting an evidence-base to help understand the interface between CAM, midwifery and wider mainstream maternity care. Early pioneering work was understandably instigated largely by those within the ranks of midwifery, often providing discussion and a call for colleagues to reflect upon and consider the potential for CAM within their practice. More contemporary investigation led by (or including) researchers from beyond the profession has subjected the topic to critical interpretation and analysis. Such work has made inroads in helping to understand a range of issues around this topic. There is no doubt that research in this area has advanced significantly - a brief search of the international literature highlights that the vast majority of work has been conducted in the last five years. Nevertheless, as we attest below, there remain crucial areas still in need of critical rigorous investigation.