Survey of CAM Attitudes and Use Among Medical Students, Residents, and Faculty
Author Information
Author(s): Lie Désirée A, Boker John
Primary Institution: University of California, Irvine, School of Medicine
Hypothesis
Faculty would have more positive attitudes and higher use of CAM modalities than interns or medical students.
Conclusion
Students, interns, and faculty show positive attitudes toward CAM and frequently use various CAM modalities.
Supporting Evidence
- Faculty had significantly more positive attitudes and used CAM modalities more often than students and interns.
- Medical students showed no change in their positive attitudes over three years.
- All groups used about two out of five common CAM information sources, with the Internet being the most cited.
Takeaway
Medical students, interns, and faculty like and use alternative medicine, and teaching them more about it could help them advise patients better.
Methodology
Cross-sectional and longitudinal surveys were conducted among medical students, interns, and faculty to assess CAM attitudes and use.
Potential Biases
The attitudes of other faculty during training were not assessed.
Limitations
The study was conducted at one institution and may not be generalizable to other settings.
Participant Demographics
50% male; 43% white students, 40% interns, 59% faculty; 92% students aged 20-29.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.0005
Statistical Significance
p<0.0005
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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