Differences in referral and use of complementary and alternative medicine between pediatric providers and patients

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Health
• Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM)
• Healthcare Provider Referrals

Background:

• Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) is increasingly utilized by pediatric populations.
• Understanding the patterns of CAM use and healthcare provider (HCP) referral is crucial for integrated pediatric care.
• Predictors of CAM use and referral in pediatric settings require further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare pediatric complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use by caregivers with CAM referrals by pediatric health care providers (HCP).
• To identify predictors associated with pediatric CAM use and HCP CAM referral.

Main Methods:

• A survey study involving 283 parents/caregivers and 200 pediatric health care providers (HCP) at a children's hospital.
• Participants indicated the use or consideration of 32 CAM interventions for pediatric patients.
• Outcome measures included the number and types of CAM therapies endorsed.

Main Results:

• HCPs referred the majority of CAM therapies significantly more often than caregivers reported their children used them.
• Children from higher-income families, with older and more educated parents, who were White, and whose primary language was English were more likely to use CAM.
• HCP CAM referral was not significantly predicted by years of practice or health care profession.

Conclusions:

• HCPs referred CAM therapies more frequently than parents reported using them for their children.
• Findings suggest potential underutilization of CAM therapies among pediatric patients.
• Further research is needed to explore barriers to CAM use in pediatric populations.