The aim of this literature review was to summarize available findings from publications that reported expenditure on traditional/complementary and alternative medicine(TM/CAM)within a representative general population...The aim of this literature review was to summarize available findings from publications that reported expenditure on traditional/complementary and alternative medicine(TM/CAM)within a representative general population sample of a nation or a defined geographical area.A total of 24 publications met the inclusion criteria and were included in the review.The expenditure on TM/CAM varies worldwide,but direct comparison of the findings of publications included in this review is limited due to the differences in the definitions of TM/CAM,inclusion of various forms of TM/CAM,use of different names and categorization,as well as differences in reported currencies and time periods in which data were collected.Data about the expenditure on TM/CAM in most countries throughout the world are scarce.Further national studies should be conducted in order to provide up-to-date assessment of the TM/CAM related expenditure patterns and use.Uniform nomenclature,definition of TM/CAM and standardized instruments would provide basis for comparability of data of studies conducted in various regions and time periods.展开更多
文摘The aim of this literature review was to summarize available findings from publications that reported expenditure on traditional/complementary and alternative medicine(TM/CAM)within a representative general population sample of a nation or a defined geographical area.A total of 24 publications met the inclusion criteria and were included in the review.The expenditure on TM/CAM varies worldwide,but direct comparison of the findings of publications included in this review is limited due to the differences in the definitions of TM/CAM,inclusion of various forms of TM/CAM,use of different names and categorization,as well as differences in reported currencies and time periods in which data were collected.Data about the expenditure on TM/CAM in most countries throughout the world are scarce.Further national studies should be conducted in order to provide up-to-date assessment of the TM/CAM related expenditure patterns and use.Uniform nomenclature,definition of TM/CAM and standardized instruments would provide basis for comparability of data of studies conducted in various regions and time periods.
