Related Experiment Videos
Complementary medicine in general practice - a national survey of GP attitudes and knowledge
Marie Pirotta1, Vicki Kotsirilos, Jared Brown
1Department of General Practice and Primary Health Care Academic Centre, University of Melbourne, Victoria. m.pirotta@unimelb.edu.au
Background:
Integrative medicine is a holistic approach to patient care that utilises both conventional and complementary therapy. This article compares the demographics of Australian general practitioners who do, and those who do not, practise integrative medicine, and their perceptions and knowledge about complementary medicines.
Methods:
A postal survey sent to a random sample of 4032 Australian GPs.
Results:
Data from 1178 GPs was analysed. While GPs who practise integrative medicine were more knowledgeable about complementary medicine and more aware of potential adverse reactions, there were significant knowledge gaps for both groups.
Discussion:
Many GPs incorporate complementary medicines into their practice, whether or not they identify with the 'integrative medicine' label. General practitioners need to be well informed about the evidence base for, and potential risks of, complementary medicines to ensure effective decision making. Use of available resources and inclusion of complementary medicine in education programs may assist this.
Related Concept Videos
01:29Assessment of the Gastrointestinal System II: Health Perception Pattern
Health Perception Patterns
Health perception patterns offer valuable insights into a patient's lifestyle habits and how they may impact their GI health. These patterns include:
02:50Combination Therapies and Personalized Medicine
The combination of the drug acetazolamide and sulforaphane is a good example of combination therapy to treat cancer. The cells in the interior of a large tumor often die due to the hypoxic and...
01:26Methods of Documentation II: POMR
01:17Assessment of the Gastrointestinal System I: Subjective Data
Health History
The initial step in assessing the GI system is obtaining a comprehensive health history. This includes inquiring about the patient's history or presence of problems related to...