Curriculum planning: a needs assessment for complementary and alternative medicine education in residency

The curricular needs in complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) of family medicine residents are unknown. Our objective was to assess perceptions of knowledge, attitudes, practice behaviors, and interest toward CAM by family medicine residents.

A questionnaire was administered to family medicine residents (n=153) throughout one state.

The response rate was 77% (118/153), with an equal distribution of first-, second-, and third-year residents. Respondents reported minimal knowledge of CAM and low awareness of CAM resources. Many do not routinely ask patients about their CAM usage. Most respondents reported discomfort advising their patients of the risks and benefits of CAM therapies, and most were interested in learning about CAM. While prior training made a difference in responses, gender and training level did not. Whites were more likely to have had prior training in CAM than non-whites.

Family medicine residents in Arkansas may not have enough training in CAM. Given the growing popularity of these modalities among the general public, residents might benefit from training and education in CAM.