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How physician assistants use and perceive complementary and alternative medicine
E A Houston1, C E Bork, J H Price
1Allied Health Medical College of Ohio, Toledo, USA.
Summary
Physician assistants (PAs) increasingly use and recommend complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). Their knowledge and information sources significantly influence CAM recommendations, highlighting the need for comprehensive PA education on these therapies.
Area of Science:
- Integrative Medicine
- Healthcare Professional Education
Background:
- Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use is rising in the US.
- Healthcare providers show increasing acceptance of CAM therapies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess physician assistants' (PAs') attitudes, beliefs, knowledge, training, recommendations, and personal use of CAM.
- To understand PA perspectives on CAM efficacy and safety.
Main Methods:
- A survey was distributed to 500 practicing PAs.
- The survey included 78 items on personal use, recommendations, and perceptions of CAM.
- Chi-square analyses were used to examine relationships between variables.
Main Results:
- A significant relationship exists between PA knowledge of CAM and their recommendations for it.
- Personal use of CAM by PAs correlated with their belief in its placebo effect and their recommendations.
- The source of information on CAM influenced PAs' recommendations.
Conclusions:
- PAs' knowledge and information sources are key factors in their CAM recommendations.
- Given the growing use of CAM, PAs require enhanced education and information on these therapies.
- Further research into PA attitudes and practices regarding CAM is warranted.