How physician assistants use and perceive complementary and alternative medicine

The use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is growing in the United States. Patients and their health care providers are increasingly accepting of complementary and alternative therapies. The purpose of this study was to identify physician assistants' (PAs') attitudes, beliefs, knowledge, training, recommendations for, and personal use of CAM. A random sample of 500 practicing PAs was sent a four-page, 78-item survey investigating their personal use of, recommendations for, and perceptions of the efficacy and safety of complementary and alternative therapies. Of PAs eligible to complete the survey, 50% responded. Chi-square analyses found a significant relationship between knowledge level and recommendation for CAM; status of use and belief that CAM exerts a placebo effect; status of use and recommendation for CAM; and source of information on CAM and recommendation for CAM. With the increasing prevalence of use of CAM, PAs need to be informed regarding CAM therapies.