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Research: CHATERJI and others,
Listed in Issue 145
Abstract
CHATERJI and others, Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, DC, USA , have surveyed the attitudes of medical students towards complementary and alternative medicine.
Background
The aim of this study was to assess attitudes toward complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) and its place in the medical school curriculum and medical practice among preclinical students at Georgetown University School of Medicine (GUSOM), Washington, DC.
Methodology
266 first-year (n=111) and second-year (n=155) medical students rated their attitudes toward CAM and 15 CAM modalities in terms of personal use, inclusion in the curriculum, and use/utility in clinical practice.
Results
Interest in and enthusiasm about CAM therapies was high in this sample; personal experience was much less prevalent. Nearly all (91%) students agreed that "CAM includes ideas and methods from which Western medicine could benefit"; more than 85% agreed that "knowledge about CAM is important to me as a student/future practicing health professional"; and more than 75% felt that CAM should be included in the curriculum. Among all students, the most frequently indicated level of desired training was "sufficient to advise patients about use," for 11 of the 15 modalities. The greatest level of training was wanted for acupuncture, chiropractic, herbal medicine, and nutritional supplements. The descriptions of CAM in future clinical practice that occurred most frequently were endorsement, referral, or provision of acupuncture, biofeedback, chiropractic, herbal medicine, massage, nutritional supplements, prayer, and meditation.
Conclusion
Students were in favour of CAM training so that they could provide advice to patients; many planned to endorse, refer patients for, or provide CAM therapies in their future practice.
References
Chaterji R et al. A large-sample survey of first- and second-year medical student attitudes toward complementary and alternative medicine in the curriculum and in practice. Alternative Therapies in Health & Medicine 13 (1): 30-35, Jan-Feb 2007.
