Medical Student Attitudes toward Complementary, Alternative and Integrative Medicine
Author Information
Author(s): Ryan B. Abbott, Hui Ka-Kit, Hays Ron D., Mandel Jess, Goldstein Michael, Winegarden Babbi, Glaser Dale, Brunton Laurence
Primary Institution: University of California, Los Angeles
Hypothesis
Understanding the attitudes of medical students toward CAIM will be useful in understanding future integration of CAIM and allopathic medicine.
Conclusion
The study found that medical students generally hold positive attitudes toward the principles of complementary, alternative, and integrative medicine, but are hesitant to endorse specific CAIM therapies due to concerns about their evidence base.
Supporting Evidence
- 77% of participants agreed that patients benefit more when their doctors know about both conventional and CAM.
- 74% agreed that integrating both types of medicine would be more effective than using them separately.
- 99% agreed that a patient's mental state influences physical health.
- 98% agreed that treatment should consider all aspects of a patient's health.
Takeaway
Medical students think it's important to know about different types of medicine, but they are not sure about using some of those treatments because they want to see proof that they work.
Methodology
The study developed and evaluated the Complementary, Alternative and Integrative Medicine Attitudes Questionnaire (CAIMAQ) and surveyed medical students across the US.
Potential Biases
The distribution method of the survey may have led to a biased sample, as not all medical students received the survey.
Limitations
The study had a low response rate and may not be representative of all medical students.
Participant Demographics
The sample included 57% females and 75% identified as white, with an average age of 26 years.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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