scholarly journals Attitudes and beliefs of nurses and technicians towards complementary-alternative medicine

2018 ◽  
Vol 71 (suppl. 1) ◽  
pp. 53-58
Author(s):  
Sanja Tomic ◽  
Goran Malenkovic ◽  
Ivica Lalic ◽  
Slobodan Tomic ◽  
Nensi Lalic
Keyword(s):  
Alternative Medicine ◽  
Complementary And Alternative Medicine ◽  
Health Belief ◽  
Complementary Alternative Medicine ◽  
Average Score ◽  
Positive Attitudes ◽  
Personal Use ◽  
The Republic ◽  
Willingness To Recommend ◽  
Complementary And Alternative

Introduction. Complementary and alternative medicine is used more and more in the communities but there are differences in attitudes, beliefs and knowledge about it among and within different medical professions. The aims of this study are to determine the attitude of nurses and medical technicians towards methods of complementary and alternative medicine and to determine the levels of personal use and willingness to recommend their patients methods of complementary and alternative medicine that have been adopted by the Health Ministry of the Republic of Serbia. Material and Methods. The research included 126 nurses and technicians. The survey was conducted at the General Hospital in Subotica. The Complementary and alternative medicine Health Belief Questionnaire was used to determine the attitudes of nurses and technicians towards complementary and alternative medicine. A custom questionnaire was designed for this study in order to determine the willingness to recommend complementary and alternative medicine to their patients. Results. The average score on the Health Belief Questionnaire suggested the positive attitudes of nurses and technicians. There was a positive correlation between the attitudes and recommendations given to the patients to accept diagnostic and treatment methods and rehabilitation methods. The most recommended methods to the patients were those used by the participants themselves. Conclusion. Most of the nurses and technicians have the positive attitude towards complementary and alternative medicine, and this can be a result of positive personal experience and at the same time a reason that explains the recommendations given to the patients.

A Literature Review of Health Care Professional Attitudes Toward Complementary and Alternative Medicine

2008 ◽  
Vol 13 (3) ◽  
pp. 139-154 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maida J. Sewitch ◽  
Monica Cepoiu ◽  
Nicole Rigillo ◽  
Donald Sproule
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Alternative Medicine ◽  
Complementary And Alternative Medicine ◽  
Health Care Professionals ◽  
Public Health Professionals ◽  
Positive Attitudes ◽  
Personal Use ◽  
School Faculty ◽  
Level Of Knowledge ◽  
Complementary And Alternative

Objective. To summarize health care professionals' attitudes toward complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). Methods. In October 2006, we searched Allied and Complementary Medicine Database (AMED; 1985—2006), Excerpta Medica Database (EMBASE; 1980—2006), and MED-LINE (1960—2006) for Canadian or US studies of health care professionals' attitudes toward CAM, published in English or French. Results. A total of 21 surveys of physicians, nurses, public health professionals, dietitians, social workers, medical/nursing school faculty, and pharmacists were included that focused on beliefs about CAM efficacy, personal use, clinical practice use and referrals, communication with patients about CAM, level of knowledge, and the need for information regarding various CAM therapies. Physicians were more negative compared to other health care professionals. Positive attitudes toward CAM did not correlate with CAM referral or prescription patterns. Health care professionals of all disciplines wanted more information about CAM. Conclusions. Heterogeneity in the CAM definition and questionnaire items precluded summarizing health care professionals' attitudes toward CAM. Providing CAM education to health care professionals may help to integrate CAM into mainstream medical care.

Saudi women’s complementary alternative medicine practice and attitudes in superficial injuries first aids

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-12
Author(s):  
Samah Fathy Ibrahim ◽  
Sara Almujaiwel ◽  
Shatha Bejad Al-harbi ◽  
Aysha Abdoh Alessa ◽  
Ghaida Abdullah Alkfari ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Alternative Medicine ◽  
Complementary And Alternative Medicine ◽  
Descriptive Study ◽  
Married Women ◽  
Complementary Alternative Medicine ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Saudi Women ◽  
Positive Attitudes ◽  
Complementary And Alternative

Abstract Objective: To detect Saudi women’s complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) practice and attitudes in superficial injuries first aids. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study included 500 women from Princess Nourah bint Abdul Rahman University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Pre-designed questionnaire was used to collect their socio-demographic characteristics, complementary and alternative medicine practice and attitude in superficial injuries first aids. Results: Most of the participants were young non-married women coming from middle regions. Burn and superficial cuts represented the commonest superficial injuries. Honey and medical herbs; myrrh were the commonly used CAM. Most participants agreed that CAM is available. Half of participants believed that CAM is safe that could be used without medical consultation. Conclusion: There is increased interest and positive attitudes toward CAM use among Saudi women, yet they are not aware about its interactions and side effects. Keywords: Complementary, Alternative medicine, Honey, Medical herbs, Attitude, Safety, Efficacy, female, Saudi Arabia

scholarly journals Factors influencing the lack of communication on complementary and alternative medicine by clinicians in higher healthcare: A cross-sectional survey in China

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hui Xie ◽  
Hongli Zhou ◽  
Li Li ◽  
Wenting Li ◽  
Haibo Shi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Alternative Medicine ◽  
Complementary And Alternative Medicine ◽  
Western Medicine ◽  
Positive Attitude ◽  
Conventional Medicine ◽  
Scientific Evidence ◽  
Health Belief ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Complementary And Alternative

Abstract PurposeComplementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is well documented and widely applied in healthcare, however, there is a paucity of knowledge on the attitudes of high healthcare clinicians regarding CAM, as well aspects related to the communications by clinicians on the use of CAM. Such communication can be important in assuring agreement about therapeutic plans and the use of CAM as complimentary higher healthcare. The study investigated the communication about CAM between patients and clinicians, as well as factors that influence the communication of clinicians about CAM.MethodsThe study made use of the CAM Health Belief Questionnaire (CHBQ), a 10-item Likert-scale questionnaire that assesses the attitudes and beliefs of healthcare professionals towards CAM. The cross-sectional survey was distributed to 360 doctors in traditional Chinese Mmedicine (TCM) and western medicine (WM) from the departments of Internal Medicine (physicians) and Surgery (surgeons). The survey was distributed in 5 different hospitals in China over the period from May to August 2019.ResultsWe found that there is generally a positive attitude toward CAM by clinicians, with a large difference between physicians and surgeons. We found that there was a lack of communication about CAM between clinicians and patients, largely associated with the uncertainty about the scientific evidence for the efficacy of CAM, and the possible interactions with conventional medicine and other safety-related components. This made clinicians fearful and worried, and reluctant to share about CAM. Among those who could share or discuss CAM with patients, many were trained in TCM and had previously used CAM, and so they were more likely to communicate CAM to patients. Western medicine doctors were more resultant and did not have a positive attitude towards CAM, and would not recommend it to patients. Moreover, the physicians who typically would communicate about CAM with patients indicated that they were not encouraged to use it due, largely, to lack of access to CAM training, which is evident in the fact that on 10.6% of the clinicians had certificates in TCM. Therefore, there is a need to train clinicians in CAM and to equip them with skills that will enable them to engage patients and offer complementary modalities of treatment, given the historical use of CAM in China.ConclusionsOur results show that there is a generally positive attitude towards CAM in higher health in China. Clinicians have a positive attitude towards CAM but do not generally communicate with patients. The willingness that clinicians, especially the western clinicians, want to communicate with patients was weak. To reduce the reluctance and uncertainty, clinicians should be trained in evidence for those CAM methods in which patients are interested. This will also improve doctor-patient communication and allow for better integration of patient needs in their healthcare plans.

scholarly journals A Mixed Questionnaire Study on Prayer as Complementary and Alternative Medicine in Ghana

2021 ◽  
pp. 196-208
Author(s):  
Raphael Nyarkotey Obu ◽  
Lawrencia Aggrey-Bluwey
Keyword(s):  
Alternative Medicine ◽  
Complementary And Alternative Medicine ◽  
Primary Healthcare ◽  
Healthcare Delivery ◽  
Complementary Alternative Medicine ◽  
Naturopathic Medicine ◽  
Medical Centers ◽  
Integral Role ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Complementary And Alternative

Background: Prayer is paramount in the spiritual welfare and development of an individual. Interestingly, prayer is also considered as a form of complementary alternative medicine and is employed in primary healthcare delivery. Aim: The purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of prayer in primary healthcare delivery as a form of complementary healthcare. This study also investigates why patients opt for prayer as an alternative to standard medical care and ultimately to review the scientific aspect of prayer in medicine. Methods: The study incorporates a mixed methods study with integrated data analysis. The respondents in this study were selected practitioners of Naturopathic Medicine with pastoral background, who belong to the Association of Naturopathic Medicine Practitioners in Ghana. Results: Patients and complementary and alternative medicine practitioners alike in Ghana believe that prayer is very important to aid recovery and hence, plays an integral role as complementary medicine in healthcare. Conclusion: This study demonstrates that there is a role of prayer as complementary alternative medicine in primary healthcare delivery. We therefore hold the view that, pastors at the prayer camps should be well educated in basic medical sciences to enable an effective referral pathway to the standard medical centers.

scholarly journals Medical students use, attitudes towards, and knowledge of complementary and alternative medicine: A scoping review

2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (4) ◽  
pp. 107-117
Author(s):  
Sarah Brown ◽  
Justin L C Bilszta
Keyword(s):  
Medical Students ◽  
Alternative Medicine ◽  
Complementary And Alternative Medicine ◽  
Scoping Review ◽  
Medical Curriculum ◽  
Undergraduate Medical Students ◽  
Medical Practitioners ◽  
Positive Attitudes ◽  
Attitudes And Knowledge ◽  
Complementary And Alternative

Introduction: Use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is popular in the general population and medical practitioners may not be fully equipped in their knowledge of CAM to advise patients appropriately. The aim of this paper was to perform a scoping review of current literature describing undergraduate medical student use, attitudes, and knowledge of CAM as a means of better understanding the educational needs of these students. Methods: A systematic search of Medline, PubMed and the Education Resources Information Center (ERIC) databases with keywords related to “complementary and alternative medicine” and “undergraduate medical students” for relevant articles published until August 2020. Results: Of 131 papers identified, 38 underwent full review. It was found 13-80% of medical students use CAM, and overall have a positive attitude towards CAM therapies. Female medical students and those with religiosity had more positive attitudes towards CAM than their male colleagues and those without a religion. Knowledge of CAM is lacking with approximately only half of students feeling they were knowledgeable about CAM therapies. Popular information resources are the Internet and social media, but students expressed they want more teaching of CAM in the undergraduate medical curriculum. Conclusion: Evidence suggests high usage of CAM amongst undergraduate medical students, and positive attitudes towards CAM therapies; however, knowledge of CAM is poor, and students want more CAM teaching to upskill them in counselling patients interested in CAM therapies. Further areas for research include a better understanding of resources medical students use for their knowledge and how gender and religiosity influence attitudes towards CAM.

scholarly journals A Survey of Medical Students’ Knowledge and Attitudes Toward Complementary and Alternative Medicine in Urmia, Iran

2016 ◽  
Vol 21 (4) ◽  
pp. 306-310 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mahshid Sadeghi ◽  
Soheila Rabiepoor ◽  
Aida Sefidani Forough ◽  
Shiva Jabbari ◽  
Shahram Shahabi
Keyword(s):  
Medical Students ◽  
Alternative Medicine ◽  
Complementary And Alternative Medicine ◽  
Medical Curriculum ◽  
Neuromuscular Disorders ◽  
Knowledge And Attitudes ◽  
Positive Attitudes ◽  
Study Results ◽  
Data Collection Instrument ◽  
Complementary And Alternative

Personal beliefs of medical students may interfere with their tendency for learning Complementary and Alternative Medicine concepts. This study aimed to investigate the knowledge and attitudes of medical students toward complementary and alternative medicine in Urmia, Iran. A structured questionnaire was used as data collection instrument. One hundred questionnaires were returned. Thirty-one percent of students reported use of alternative medicine for at least once. Iranian Traditional Medicine was the main type of alternative medicine used by medical students (93.5%). Neuromuscular disorders were the main indication of alternative medicine use among students (34.4%). Ninety percent of participants demonstrated competent knowledge about acupuncture while the lowest scores belonged to homeopathy (12%). Study results showed that 49% of medical students had positive attitudes and demonstrated a willingness to receive training on the subject. Thus, there appears a necessity to integrate complementary and alternative medicine into the medical curriculum, by taking expectations and feedbacks of medical students into consideration.

scholarly journals A Survey on Perceptions of Complementary and Alternative Medicine among Undergraduates in China

2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Hui Xie ◽  
Tianqing Sang ◽  
Wenting Li ◽  
Li Li ◽  
Yankun Gao ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Alternative Medicine ◽  
Complementary And Alternative Medicine ◽  
Health Belief ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
College Curriculum ◽  
Chi Square Test ◽  
Barriers To Use ◽  
Relationship Of ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Complementary And Alternative

In recent years, complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is more widely known and used globally. This study was the first to investigate undergraduates’ attitude toward CAM, and influencing factors and barriers for students to use CAM. Students of five different grades in six universities of China were selected for this study from February to May 2019. First, the participants were divided into two groups based on their majors and fulfilled a previously validated 10-item CAM Health Belief Questionnaire (CHBQ) to evaluate their attitudes toward CAM. Second, the chi-square test was used to analyze the differences between the groups, and correlation analysis was conducted to investigate the relationship of the data between the two groups. Third, we used frequency analysis to identify the types that students wanted to study and the barriers to use CAM. The overall mean score of the CHBQ was 48.87 ± 8.594, which was higher than that in other countries. The students in lower grades had a stronger desire to learn CAM than those in higher grades (89% vs 83%, p<0.05). “Too time-consuming and bad tastes,” “Western medicine was enough,” and “lack of relevant knowledge” were found to be the main interruptions for students to use CAM. 82.3% of students wanted CAM to be incorporated into the curriculum and desired to learn more about CAM. 72.3% of the students who had never learned CAM wanted to know more about CAM. 55.5% of the students were willing to recommend CAM. Most undergraduates desired to learn more about CAM. It is necessary to introduce or integrate CAM courses into the present curriculum, and it should be started in the lower grades. We hope this study can provide evidence for the authority in China to make appropriate changes and integrate CAM into the college curriculum.

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