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HMS, HAG EQ-Bank 199

To what extent do alternative treatments provide effective healthcare solutions for Australians?   (6 marks)

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Judgment Statement

  • Alternative treatments provide moderately effective healthcare solutions for specific conditions, though cannot completely replace conventional medical care.

Strongest Evidence

  • Alternative treatments demonstrate effectiveness for certain health conditions and patient preferences.
  • Research supports acupuncture for chronic pain and herbal medicines for anxiety and digestive disorders.
  • Many Australians report improved quality of life when using naturopathy, chiropractic care and massage therapy alongside conventional treatments.
  • Patient satisfaction rates are higher with alternative practitioners who provide longer consultations and personalised approaches.
  • Evidence includes reduced medication dependence and improved mental wellbeing for patients with chronic conditions.

Secondary Evidence

  • However, alternative treatments have limitations treating serious medical conditions and emergencies.
  • Conventional medicine remains essential for life-threatening illnesses, surgical procedures and acute emergencies where alternatives lack sufficient evidence.
  • Some alternative treatments lack rigorous testing and regulatory oversight, creating safety concerns.
  • Despite limitations, the moderate extent remains justified because alternatives effectively complement conventional care.

Reaffirmation

  • Evidence demonstrates that alternative treatments provide moderately effective solutions by addressing specific health needs while supporting wellbeing alongside conventional care.
Show Worked Solution

Judgment Statement

  • Alternative treatments provide moderately effective healthcare solutions for specific conditions, though cannot completely replace conventional medical care.

Strongest Evidence

  • Alternative treatments demonstrate effectiveness for certain health conditions and patient preferences.
  • Research supports acupuncture for chronic pain and herbal medicines for anxiety and digestive disorders.
  • Many Australians report improved quality of life when using naturopathy, chiropractic care and massage therapy alongside conventional treatments.
  • Patient satisfaction rates are higher with alternative practitioners who provide longer consultations and personalised approaches.
  • Evidence includes reduced medication dependence and improved mental wellbeing for patients with chronic conditions.

Secondary Evidence

  • However, alternative treatments have limitations treating serious medical conditions and emergencies.
  • Conventional medicine remains essential for life-threatening illnesses, surgical procedures and acute emergencies where alternatives lack sufficient evidence.
  • Some alternative treatments lack rigorous testing and regulatory oversight, creating safety concerns.
  • Despite limitations, the moderate extent remains justified because alternatives effectively complement conventional care.

Reaffirmation

  • Evidence demonstrates that alternative treatments provide moderately effective solutions by addressing specific health needs while supporting wellbeing alongside conventional care.

HMS, HAG EQ-Bank 198

Why do some Australians choose alternative treatments instead of conventional medicine?   (3 marks)

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  • Some Australians prefer alternative treatments because they seek personalised care that addresses individual health concerns holistically.
  • Patients choose alternatives when conventional medicine has not provided satisfactory results for chronic conditions.
  • Alternative treatments appeal to people wanting to avoid potential side effects from pharmaceutical medications and invasive procedures.
  • Some individuals prefer natural approaches that align with personal beliefs about health and wellness.
  • Alternative practitioners usually spend more time with patients, providing detailed consultations that feel more supportive.
Show Worked Solution
  • Some Australians prefer alternative treatments because they seek personalised care that addresses individual health concerns holistically.
  • Patients choose alternatives when conventional medicine has not provided satisfactory results for chronic conditions.
  • Alternative treatments appeal to people wanting to avoid potential side effects from pharmaceutical medications and invasive procedures.
  • Some individuals prefer natural approaches that align with personal beliefs about health and wellness.
  • Alternative practitioners usually spend more time with patients, providing detailed consultations that feel more supportive.

HMS, HAG 2015 HSC 3 MC

What is the most appropriate advice to give people who are making a decision about an alternative health care service or product?

  1. Investigate the credibility of the service, product and practitioner
  2. Cease the conventional medication and medical advice they have been receiving
  3. Combine alternative health care services with complementary health care products
  4. Seek recommendations from friends and family who have experienced success with alternative health care services and products
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\(A\)

Show Worked Solution
  • A is correct: Critical evaluation of credibility ensures safe healthcare decisions.

Other Options:

  • B is incorrect: Ceasing conventional treatment without consultation is dangerous.
  • C is incorrect: Combining treatments without professional guidance risks interactions.
  • D is incorrect: Personal testimonials don’t guarantee safety or effectiveness.

HMS, HAG 2016 HSC 21

Using examples, describe the difference between alternative health therapies and complementary health therapies.   (5 marks)

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Complementary health therapies

  • Such approaches are used alongside conventional medical treatments to enhance overall patient care. They work together with mainstream medicine to support healing and wellbeing.
  • Complementary therapies supplement standard medical care rather than replacing it entirely.
  • For example, a cancer patient might receive chemotherapy from their oncologist whilst also using acupuncture to manage treatment side effects. Massage therapy can complement physiotherapy treatment for muscle injuries. Meditation might be used alongside antidepressant medication for mental health conditions.

Alternative health therapies

  • These therapies are used instead of conventional medical treatments as the primary healthcare approach. They replace mainstream medical interventions completely rather than supporting them.
  • Patients choose alternative approaches as their sole treatment method for health conditions.
  • For example, someone might choose herbal remedies instead of prescribed antibiotics for infections. A person might select homeopathic treatments rather than conventional surgery for medical conditions. Naturopathic approaches might replace pharmaceutical medications entirely.

Key difference

  • The key difference is in how these therapies interact with conventional medicine.
  • Complementary approaches enhance traditional treatment whilst alternative approaches replace conventional care completely.

Show Worked Solution

Complementary health therapies

  • Such approaches are used alongside conventional medical treatments to enhance overall patient care. They work together with mainstream medicine to support healing and wellbeing.
  • Complementary therapies supplement standard medical care rather than replacing it entirely.
  • For example, a cancer patient might receive chemotherapy from their oncologist whilst also using acupuncture to manage treatment side effects. Massage therapy can complement physiotherapy treatment for muscle injuries. Meditation might be used alongside antidepressant medication for mental health conditions.

Alternative health therapies

  • These therapies are used instead of conventional medical treatments as the primary healthcare approach. They replace mainstream medical interventions completely rather than supporting them.
  • Patients choose alternative approaches as their sole treatment method for health conditions.
  • For example, someone might choose herbal remedies instead of prescribed antibiotics for infections. A person might select homeopathic treatments rather than conventional surgery for medical conditions. Naturopathic approaches might replace pharmaceutical medications entirely.

Key difference

  • The key difference is in how these therapies interact with conventional medicine.
  • Complementary approaches enhance traditional treatment whilst alternative approaches replace conventional care completely.

♦♦ Mean mark 48%.

HMS, HAG 2018 HSC 13 MC

A patient is considering the suitability of an alternative health care approach.

Which of the following would best assist the patient to make an informed decision about this alternative approach?

  1. Information provided on websites
  2. Scientific evidence about its success
  3. An advertisement that promotes its safety
  4. The endorsement of a friend who has used it
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\(B\)

Show Worked Solution

  • B is correct: Scientific evidence provides objective, credible information for informed healthcare decisions.

Other Options:

  • A is incorrect: Websites vary in quality and may contain inaccurate information.
  • C is incorrect: Advertisements are promotional material, not objective evidence.
  • D is incorrect: Friend endorsements are anecdotal, not reliable scientific evidence.

HMS, HAG 2019 HSC 2 MC

Which alternative health care treatment involves inserting fine needles into specific parts of the body?

  1. Acupuncture
  2. Chiropractic
  3. Homeopathy
  4. Iridology
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\(A\)

Show Worked Solution

  • A is correct: Acupuncture uses fine needles inserted into specific body points

Other Options:

  • B is incorrect: Chiropractic involves spinal manipulation and adjustments.
  • C is incorrect: Homeopathy uses diluted substances as remedies.
  • D is incorrect: Iridology examines the iris for health diagnosis.

HMS, HAG 2023 HSC 25

Choose ONE alternative health care approach.

Describe strategies consumers could use to help them make an informed decision prior to using this approach.  (5 marks)

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Alternate healthcare approach – Acupuncture

  • Consumers should consult qualified healthcare professionals before pursuing acupuncture treatment. General practitioners can assess whether acupuncture suits their condition and identify potential interactions with existing treatments or medications. This consultation provides medical oversight and ensures safe integration.
  • Evidence-based research forms another crucial strategy for informed decision-making. Consumers can access reliable Australian sources including the NHMRC, TGA and university research databases to understand scientific evidence supporting acupuncture. This research helps distinguish between proven benefits and unsubstantiated claims.
  • Practitioner qualification verification represents an essential safety strategy. Consumers should confirm that acupuncturists are registered with the Chinese Medicine Board of Australia under AHPRA, ensuring practitioners meet established Australian standards.
  • Financial considerations require evaluation through cost investigation and insurance coverage assessment. Consumers should determine treatment expenses and verify whether private health insurance extras policies provide coverage.
  • Critical evaluation of testimonials provides balanced perspective on treatment outcomes. Consumers should recognise these are subjective accounts and seek diverse feedback from reputable health forums.
Show Worked Solution

Alternate healthcare approach – Acupuncture

  • Consumers should consult qualified healthcare professionals before pursuing acupuncture treatment. General practitioners can assess whether acupuncture suits their condition and identify potential interactions with existing treatments or medications. This consultation provides medical oversight and ensures safe integration.
  • Evidence-based research forms another crucial strategy for informed decision-making. Consumers can access reliable Australian sources including the NHMRC, TGA and university research databases to understand scientific evidence supporting acupuncture. This research helps distinguish between proven benefits and unsubstantiated claims.
  • Practitioner qualification verification represents an essential safety strategy. Consumers should confirm that acupuncturists are registered with the Chinese Medicine Board of Australia under AHPRA, ensuring practitioners meet established Australian standards.
  • Financial considerations require evaluation through cost investigation and insurance coverage assessment. Consumers should determine treatment expenses and verify whether private health insurance extras policies provide coverage.
  • Critical evaluation of testimonials provides balanced perspective on treatment outcomes. Consumers should recognise these are subjective accounts and seek diverse feedback from reputable health forums.

♦ Mean mark  51%.