Healthcare Professionals’ Sources Of Knowledge Of Complementary Medicine In An Academic Center

Abstract

Background: The use of complementary medicine (CM) in academic healthcare settings is increasing, yet debates persist regarding its efficacy, risks, and benefits. Healthcare professionals often feel uncertain discussing CM with patients, highlighting the need to understand their sources of knowledge and attitudes towards CM.

Objective: To assess healthcare professionals' sources of knowledge and attitudes towards complementary medicine (CM) within an academic hospital setting.

Design and Participants: A cross-sectional web-based survey was conducted , involving 4,925 healthcare professionals employed .

Main Measures: The survey aimed to identify factors influencing healthcare professionals' opinions on CM, their knowledge levels, and their communication practices regarding CM.

Key Results: The survey received responses from 1,247 healthcare professionals. Key factors influencing opinions on CM included personal experience, clinical experience, and evidence supporting CM's physiological mechanisms. Personal experience notably influenced nurses and midwives more than physicians, as well as professionals trained in CM compared to non-trained counterparts. Physicians tended to rely more on randomized controlled clinical trials compared to nurses. A significant majority of respondents acknowledged a lack of knowledge about CM, with many noting that patients-initiated discussions on CM.

Conclusions: Healthcare professionals used varied strategies to form opinions on CM, with physicians leaning towards scientific evidence and nurses/midwives emphasizing personal experiences. Despite these differences, most respondents felt unprepared to discuss CM with patients. Enhancing interprofessional education could empower providers to engage in meaningful discussions about CM, enabling patients to make informed healthcare decisions.