Exploring Complementary and Integrative Health: Information, Resources, and Evaluation

As healthcare trends evolve, there is a growing interest in using Complementary and Integrative Health (CIH) alongside traditional medical practices. Some individuals opt for alternative medicine instead of conventional treatments; some integrate Eastern practices with their Western medicine, raising questions and concerns about the quality and reliability of available information. In response to this need, our class aims to empower participants with the knowledge and resources to navigate the world of CIH. 

Throughout this class, we will explore the definitions of Complementary and Integrative Health, encompassing both Eastern and Western medicine perspectives. We will delve into various approaches to CIH, discussing their associated risks and benefits.

Furthermore, we will equip you with strategies to help your users discern trustworthy CIH information and avoid fraudulent claims. Our comprehensive approach covers health information resources and strategies to enhance health information access and use and aligns with NNLM initiatives addressing health misinformation and environmental determinants of health. Join us to enhance your ability to guide patients, patrons, and others in understanding the dynamics of CIH and its place in modern healthcare.

This work at your own pace class takes place over 3 weeks in Moodle, our online learning management system. There are no set hours to be online each week. The class will be available to you 24/7 between January 13 and January 31, 2025. It should take you about 2 hours each week. There is a 1-page assignment due at the end of each week.

This class addresses health information resources, increasing health information access and use, and the NNLM initiatives of health misinformation and the environmental determinants of health. This class includes resources from MedlinePlus, PubMed, and the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.