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Academic physicians and complementary and alternative medicine: an institutional survey
Marcy E Rosenbaum1, Nicole L Nisly, Kristi J Ferguson
1College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA. marcy-rosenbaum@uiowa.edu
Summary
Academic physicians show limited knowledge and awareness of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) patient usage and usefulness. Enhanced education is needed to improve physician understanding and recommendations of CAM therapies.
Area of Science:
- Medical Education
- Integrative Medicine
- Physician Attitudes
Background:
- Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is increasingly utilized by patients.
- Understanding physician perspectives on CAM is crucial for integrated healthcare.
- Limited data exists on academic physicians' awareness and attitudes toward CAM.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate academic physicians' attitudes, awareness, and behaviors regarding complementary and alternative medicine (CAM).
- To assess physician perceptions of patient CAM usage and the usefulness of various CAM therapies.
Main Methods:
- A questionnaire-based study was conducted with faculty at a major US teaching hospital.
- The survey covered attitudes, awareness, and perceived usefulness of 11 specific CAM therapies.
- Physicians reported their beliefs about patient CAM utilization rates.
Main Results:
- Most physicians underestimated patient CAM use, believing 20% or less of patients utilized CAM.
- Physician knowledge and awareness of specific CAM therapies varied significantly.
- Greater knowledge of CAM correlated with higher perceived usefulness and increased recommendations of therapies.
Conclusions:
- Limited physician knowledge and awareness of CAM therapies and patient use are evident.
- There is a clear need for continuing medical education focused on CAM for physicians.
- Improving physician education can enhance the integration and recommendation of CAM within conventional healthcare settings.