Question

Which statement best describes the evidence associated with complementary therapies as a whole?

1. Many clinical trails in complementary therapies support their effectiveness in a wide range of clinical problems

2. It is difficult to find funding for studies about complementary therapies. Therefore we should not expect to find evidence supporting its use

3. The science supporting the effectiveness of complementary therapies is early in its development

4. Most of the research examining complementary and alternative therapies has found little evidence, suggesting that, although people like them, they are not effective.

Answer 1

The evidence for complementary therapies is in the early stages of development, as research continues to evolve. The scientific validation of such therapies is complex, involving scrutiny under various criteria and integration into current healthcare systems. Recognition by organizations like the AMA suggests a growing consideration for these therapies in the medical field.

Step-by-step explanation:

The statement which best describes the evidence associated with complementary therapies as a whole is that the science supporting the effectiveness of complementary therapies is early in its development. This field includes traditional practices like Chinese traditional medicine, which utilizes substances such as cicada shells and ginseng, and liaises with contemporary biomedicine, creating a complementary approach.

Yet, due to diverse methodologies and cultural contexts, comprehensive evaluation and global consensus on efficacy are challenging. In the scientific community, competing hypotheses are often present, and evidence must be judged on criteria such as simplicity, scope, and productivity. Medical pluralism is widely seen in societies where biomedicine and traditional or complementary medicine are practiced side by side. In places like the United States, organizations like the American Medical Association (AMA) recognize the value of inclusive medical education.