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Pediatricians' experience with and attitudes toward complementary/alternative medicine
1Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Michigan, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit 48201, USA. asikand@med.wayne.edu
Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine
|November 12, 1998
Summary
Pediatricians believe many patients use complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). Half would refer patients for CAM, and most want more education on these therapies.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Medicine
- Integrative Health
- Medical Education
Background:
- Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use is prevalent among patients seeking alternatives to conventional care.
- Pediatricians' perspectives on CAM are crucial for informed patient guidance and integrated healthcare approaches.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate pediatricians' attitudes, practices, and knowledge regarding CAM therapies.
- To determine pediatricians' referral patterns and interest in continuing medical education (CME) on CAM.
Main Methods:
- An anonymous, 25-item questionnaire was distributed to pediatricians in Michigan.
- The survey assessed pediatricians' beliefs about patient CAM use, personal CAM use, referral practices, and CME interest.
Main Results:
- A significant majority of responding pediatricians (83.5%) believed their patients use CAM, though most perceived this use as less than 10%.
- Over half of pediatricians would personally use (55.2%) or refer patients for (50.3%) CAM therapies, with biofeedback and self-help groups being most common referrals.
- A majority (54.1%) expressed interest in CME courses on CAM, with female pediatricians and US-trained general pediatricians showing higher engagement in discussing or referring for CAM.
Conclusions:
- Most surveyed pediatricians acknowledge patient use of CAM and are open to referrals, indicating a need for increased understanding and integration of CAM within pediatric practice.
- There is a clear demand for continuing medical education on CAM among pediatricians, highlighting an opportunity to enhance their knowledge and skills in this area.
- Further research and comprehensive educational initiatives are recommended to support pediatricians in addressing CAM use effectively with their patients.