A study to examine the attitudes, knowledge, and utilization of CAM by primary care professional in West Texas

Knowledge, attitude and practices of South African healthcare professionals towards complementary and alternative medicine use for atopic eczema – a descriptive survey

“…In a Texas-based study, almost half (42%) of the primary HCPs did refer patients to CAM practitioners and 64% would like to. 10 Referral rates were low among Qatar GPs where 39% stated that they had poor CAM knowledge. 6 A greater number of doctors in Australia (68%) were in favour of referring patients to complementary therapists and most were familiar with various CAM therapies.…”

“…A Texasbased study reported that a large number of GPs were positive about incorporating CAM into general practice (75%), referring patients to CAM practitioners (> 60%) and offering proven CAM therapies to patients (70%). 10 Saudi Arabian primary healthcare physicians also showed a positive attitude and 76% believed that CAM would lead to a better patient outcome.…”

“…14 Among GPs in Texas, USA, 84% stated that their patients initiated discussions around CAM. 10 On the other hand, a national Australian survey indicated that a large number of GPs who practice integrative medicine (66%) as well as almost half (47%) of those not practising integrative medicine do initiate CAM discussions with patients and a similar number also ask about its use when taking a history. 20 …”

“…The Texas-based study among GPs reported that in comparison with another study using the same instrument, a more positive attitude was seen among primary care practitioners compared with nonprimary care peers (sub-speciality physicians) at the Mayo Clinic. 10 GPs are generally based within the community and are exposed to a variety of diseases for which patients are using CAM. This type of family medical practice seems a more open forum for patients and doctors to discuss CAM choices, thus realising a more open approach from GPs.…”

“…[6][7][8][9][10][11] These studies focused on general CAM use and none within the context of a specific disease. We found no published studies conducted in SA or elsewhere investigating HCPs' knowledge, attitudes and norms of practice with regard to CAMs for AE.…”