A train the trainer model for integrating evidence-based medicine into a complementary and alternative medicine...

Area of Science:

• Integrative Medicine
• Medical Education
• Evidence-Based Practice

Background:

• Growing public interest in complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) necessitates evidence-based approaches.
• CAM professionals require a strong understanding of evidence-based medicine (EBM) concepts for informed practice.
• Defining the role of evidence-based decision-making in CAM is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design, implement, and evaluate an intensive EBM short course for CAM faculty.
• To equip CAM professionals with EBM skills for practice and teaching.
• To foster a supportive institutional culture for EBM adoption.

Main Methods:

• A week-long, 20-hour intensive course titled "Principles of EBM for CAM Professionals" was conducted.
• The curriculum focused on accessing, appraising, and applying biomedical literature.
• Participants were taught to integrate EBM concepts into their teaching.

Main Results:

• Pre- and post-course evaluations indicated significant positive changes in EBM attitudes and skills.
• Participants demonstrated increased self-appraised and objectively assessed EBM skills.
• 80% of participants followed through on their commitment to implement EBM changes within six months.

Conclusions:

• The intensive EBM course was effective in enhancing EBM practice attitudes and skills among CAM faculty.
• Participants showed a commitment to integrating EBM into their practice and teaching.
• The course initiated cultural shifts towards supporting EBM within the institution.