A web-based course on complementary medicine for medical students and residents improves knowledge and changes attitudes.
BACKGROUND
There is a growing need to educate physicians about complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). Few introductory courses in CAM have been described.


OBJECTIVE
To develop and evaluate an introductory course in CAM for medical students and residents.


METHODS
We conducted a controlled study evaluating a case-based, Web-based course in CAM, making comparison to no intervention. Participants were 123 internal medicine residents, family medicine residents, and 3rd- and 4th-year medical students at academic residency programs in internal medicine and family medicine and two U.S. medical schools. Outcomes included knowledge of CAM, attitudes toward CAM, and course evaluation information.


RESULTS
Eighty-nine learners completed the course. Test scores among a subset of these (n = 57) were higher (M +/- SD = 78.7 +/- 10.1) than scores (50.9 +/- 8.5, p < .001) among a no-intervention control group (n = 34), and remained higher (64.9 +/- 11.4) 3 months later. After the course participants felt more comfortable discussing CAM with patients, recognized a greater role for CAM, and knew better where to find information on CAM (ps < .001 compared to baseline). Course ratings were high, although 26% of learners desired greater feedback.


CONCLUSIONS
This brief course in CAM improved knowledge, changed attitudes, and was well received.
Cook
David A
DA
Department of Medicine, Division of General Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, Minnesota 55905, USA. cook.david33@mayo.edu
Gelula
Mark H
MH
Lee
Mark C
MC
Bauer
Brent A
BA
Dupras
Denise M
DM
Schwartz
Alan
A
D002641:Chicago; D000529:Complementary Therapies / Q000193:education*; D003479:Curriculum; D003625:Data Collection; D005194:Family Practice; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D007396:Internship and Residency; D008910:Minnesota; D013337:Students, Medical