Differences between family physicians and patients in their knowledge and attitudes regarding traditional chinese...

Background: With patients turning more to alternative medicine, most physicians are still conservative in their views toward these practices. It is important to know whether there is a difference between physicians and patients regarding knowledge and attitudes about alternative medicine. This study focused on information regarding a specific type of alternative medicine, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Methods: Two questionnaires-one for physicians, one for patients-were designed. Two clinics were chosen as sites where patients could fill out the questionnaires while they were waiting for treatment. A total of 85 patient questionnaires were collected. Forty-four completed questionnaires were returned from family physicians in Cincinnati area. Data analyiss included t-test, analysis of variance, and logistic regression. Results: Generally, physicians and patients had the same knowledge level on TCM. Physicians, however, had more knowledge on basic concepts, whereas patients knew more about practice, such as the specific conditions that could be treated by TCM. A difference between physicians and patients on attitudes toward TCM was found, with patients having a more positive attitude. More than 60% of the patients in this study had visited alternative practitioners during the year prior to this study. The inform rate was higher for the patients visiting physicians who practiced alternative treatment. Conclusions: There are differences between physicians and patients regarding their knowledge and attitudes about TCM.