Integrative Medicine in General Practice in Australia: A Mixed-Methods Study Exploring Education Pathways and...

Area of Science:

• Integrative Medicine
• General Practice
• Medical Education

Background:

• A significant number of general practitioners (GPs) globally integrate integrative medicine (IM) into their practice.
• Understanding the educational landscape for GPs in IM is crucial for professional development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To map the current integrative medicine (IM) education and training pathways for Australian GPs.
• To identify the educational needs and preferences of GPs interested in IM.
• To explore the perspectives of GPs within the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners' IM Specific Interest Network.

Main Methods:

• A mixed-methods approach combining an online cross-sectional survey with semi-structured interviews.
• Survey data collected from 83 GPs/GPs in training and interview data from 15 GPs.
• Analysis involved separate initial analysis of survey and interview data, followed by data integration.

Main Results:

• Nearly half of surveyed GPs had formal IM education; many engaged in short courses, informal learning, or self-education across various IM modalities.
• GPs practicing IM reported higher levels of IM education, positive attitudes towards IM (especially natural products), and greater self-rated knowledge and competencies.
• Identified knowledge gaps included population health, organizational, and legal aspects of IM practice, alongside professional and systemic barriers.

Conclusions:

• There is a clear need to define best practices for integrative medicine (IM) in Australian general practice.
• Establishing standardized educational pathways and formal recognition for advanced skills in IM is essential.
• A majority of GPs expressed interest in post-fellowship recognition for advanced IM skills.