COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE AND MEDICAL EDUCATION IN GEORGIA: STATE OF THE ART AND FURTHER PERSPECTIVES

Aim - complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is popular in Georgia, but providers' training not well understood or regulated. The aim of this mixed-methods study was to inform the process of implementing quality CAM curricula in Georgia and strategies for the inclusion of effective CAM curricula into medical education in Georgia. We analyzed existing medical curricula. We conducted a contextual analysis based of qualitative data collected from relevant medical education experts, qualified physicians, CAM practitioners and other stakeholders; and administered a quantitative MD students' survey to MD students. CAM components are currently not represented in medical curricula in Georgia. Physicians largely lack adequate knowledge of CAM and its practice. All stakeholders supported that it would be beneficial to develop CAM educatory courses, both to future practitioners (medical students, initially as an elective subject) and practicing physicians (through CME). We recommend development/integration of an elective subject and/or a curricular component as a first step of CAM integration into the medical curricula in Georgia for MD students and CME courses for physicians. Interdisciplinary and international collaborations may help achieve best outcome, and safe practice of CAM in Georgia, forming a base for physician - CAM practitioner collaborations for quality care for patients in Georgia.