How Young German General Practitioners View and Use Complementary and Alternative Medicine: A Qualitative Study

Area of Science:

• General Practice
• Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM)

Background:

• Previous studies indicate widespread CAM use among experienced German general practitioners (GPs).
• However, the perspectives of younger GPs on CAM remain under-researched.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically investigate the views of young GPs on CAM.
• To determine the extent and methods of CAM treatment utilization by early-career GPs.

Main Methods:

• Problem-oriented interviews were conducted with 13 young physicians in specialist general practice training.
• Additionally, GPs who completed training within the last two years were included.
• Qualitative content analysis was employed to evaluate the interview data.

Main Results:

• Participant attitudes towards CAM varied, with frequent skepticism regarding evidence and placebo effects.
• Herbal medicines were generally viewed favorably and used regularly by most participants.
• Other CAM modalities were infrequently utilized, often for minor ailments or patient preference.

Conclusions:

• Young GPs demonstrated a more critical stance towards CAM compared to their experienced counterparts.
• Beyond herbal medicine, the use of other CAM treatments by young GPs was notably limited.