Physicians' attitudes toward complementary and alternative medicine and their knowledge of specific therapies: 8-year follow-up at an academic medical center

Complement Ther Clin Pract. 2014 Feb;20(1):54-60. doi: 10.1016/j.ctcp.2013.09.003. Epub 2013 Oct 22.

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine changes in attitude toward complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapies and knowledge of specific CAM therapies among internists at our institution. We compared the results of a survey given in 2004 and 2012. During this time period, the attitudes of physicians in our department of medicine toward CAM became much more positive, and physicians showed an increased willingness to use CAM to address patient care needs. However, knowledge of and experience with many specific CAM treatments did not change. These results will be used to develop further educational interventions and research studies.

Keywords: CAM; Integrative medicine; Physician attitudes; Physician education; complementary and alternative medicine.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Attitude of Health Personnel*
  • Clinical Competence
  • Complementary Therapies / psychology*
  • Data Collection
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Physicians / psychology*
  • Practice Patterns, Physicians'*