Traditional and complementary medicine in Australia : clinical practice, research, education, and regulation

Different modalities of traditional and complementary medicine (T&CM) are extensively used worldwide including Australia to treat ailments, maintain well‑being either alone or in conjunction with conventional medicine. This wide prevalence also emphasizes the necessity for more research, education and regulation of different T&CM modalities to ensure their safety and efficacy. While several reports in the literature highlight different aspects of T&CM including clinical practice, research, education and regulation globally, recent comprehensive reviews on the current status of T&CM in Australia are limited. Therefore, this review was designed to critically analyze the literature on the present status of T&CM modalities including Traditional Chinese Medicine, chiropractic, naturopathy and Ayurveda in Australia and comprehensively summarize the key studies from an Australian perspective. Several key gaps in the evidence‑based clinical practice (e.g., lack of patient‑focused approach and communication between patients and health professionals), research (e.g., methodological flaws/inconsistencies, limited government funding, collaborative research, facilities, capability, and resources), education (e.g., lack of uniform minimum standard of education and limited courses) and regulation (e.g., self‑regulated naturopathy) of T&CM in Australia were identified through this review. Furthermore, studies in the literature underlined that some T&CM modalities including naturopathy and Ayurveda require statutory and updated regulations, formal registration and proper training and education. A patient‑focused approach in clinical practice and the generation of evidence through collaborative research (establishment of more practice‑based research networks) among universities, T&CM industry and practitioners and more support from the government to conduct research and improve tr