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Complementary and alternative medicine: Canadian physiatrists' attitudes and behavior
1Department of Medicine, Sunnybrook and Women's College Health Science Centre, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
|May 12, 2000
Summary
Canadian physiatrists frequently refer patients to complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapies, with acupuncture and chiropractic being highly rated. Training and practice of CAM are less common but recommended for future physiatry education.
Area of Science:
- Rehabilitation Medicine
- Integrative Medicine
- Health Services Research
Background:
- Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use is increasing globally.
- Physicians' knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding CAM vary.
- Understanding CAM integration in physical medicine and rehabilitation is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the prevalence of knowledge, referrals, training, and practice of CAM among Canadian physiatrists.
- To evaluate physiatrists' perceptions of CAM effectiveness and integration potential.
- To identify factors associated with CAM referral and practice in physiatry.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional survey was conducted using written questionnaires.
- The study included 98 physiatrists/rehabilitation specialists in Ontario, Canada.
- Statistical analysis examined attitudes, knowledge, referrals, training, and practice of CAM.
Main Results:
- 72% of physiatrists referred patients to CAM; 20% had training, and 20% practiced CAM.
- Acupuncture, biofeedback, and chiropractic were rated as most useful.
- Most physiatrists believed CAM offered benefits, with few viewing it as a public health threat.
Conclusions:
- Ontario physiatrists demonstrate greater CAM knowledge and use compared to general practitioners.
- Commonly utilized CAM therapies include acupuncture, biofeedback, and spinal manipulation.
- Integrating CAM into physiatry residency training and research is recommended to meet public demand.