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Physicians' attitudes toward complementary or alternative medicine: a regional survey
1Department of Family Medicine, University of Maryland at Baltimore 21210, USA.
The Journal of the American Board of Family Practice
|September 1, 1995
Summary
Family physicians show significant interest in complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), with many using and referring patients for these therapies. They desire more training and expect evidence for CAM acceptance.
Area of Science:
- Integrative Medicine
- Family Medicine
- Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM)
Background:
- Survey on family physicians' attitudes toward CAM in the Chesapeake region.
- Assessed physician knowledge, usage, training, and evidence expectations for CAM.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore family physicians' perspectives on complementary and alternative medicine.
- To understand their current practices, training needs, and acceptance criteria for CAM.
Main Methods:
- Distribution of questionnaires to 295 family physicians.
- 180 physicians responded from three separate conferences.
Main Results:
- 70-90% viewed therapies like diet, exercise, and hypnotherapy as legitimate.
- Most referred patients or used CAM; homeopathy and traditional Oriental medicine were less favored.
- Physicians desired training in CAM and showed a correlation between evidence standards for orthodox and alternative medicine.
Conclusions:
- High physician interest in CAM, with current usage and desire for further training.
- Physicians are open to integrating certain CAM therapies into practice, pending evidence.