• A M Pierantozzi, A Steel, and M Seleem.
• Queensland Health, Redcliffe Hospital, Metro North Hospital and Health Service, Redcliffe 4020, Australia; University of Queensland, Northside Clinical School, Australia. Electronic address: anita.pierantozzi@uqconnect.edu.au.
• Complement Ther Clin Pract. 2013 Nov 1; 19 (4): 237-42.

AbstractGlobally, the use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) as a component of healthcare is well documented [1]. In Australia, despite escalating use of CAM [2], inclusion within medical curriculum is poorly developed. This study reports findings from a pilot-study of medical interns which examined whether the delivery of a CAM education session had impacted on their attitude, perceived knowledge and subsequent clinical practice. The results indicate that the participants' attitudes towards CAM education were positive, with 92% of participants considering it important for inclusion in junior doctor education. Post-session, participants also reported an acquisition of knowledge in relation to common interactions between CAM and conventional medical treatments and indicated a positive impact on subsequent clinical practice, specifically noting increased awareness of CAM enquiry in clinical practice. Results of this pilot study indicate that CAM and junior doctor education may have a positive impact on improving patient safety and management. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

15 keywords...

hide…