title: Integrating complementary and alternative medicine into medical intern teaching: preliminary findings from an Australian Hospital.
abstract: Globally, the use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) as a component of healthcare is well documented [1]. In Australia, despite escalating use of CAM [2], inclusion within medical curriculum is poorly developed. This study reports findings from a pilot-study of medical interns which examined whether the delivery of a CAM education session had impacted on their attitude, perceived knowledge and subsequent clinical practice. The results indicate that the participants' attitudes towards CAM education were positive, with 92% of participants considering it important for inclusion in junior doctor education. Post-session, participants also reported an acquisition of knowledge in relation to common interactions between CAM and conventional medical treatments and indicated a positive impact on subsequent clinical practice, specifically noting increased awareness of CAM enquiry in clinical practice. Results of this pilot study indicate that CAM and junior doctor education may have a positive impact on improving patient safety and management.
authors.affiliation: Queensland Health, Redcliffe Hospital, Metro North Hospital and Health Service, Redcliffe 4020, Australia; University of Queensland, Northside Clinical School, Australia. Electronic address: anita.pierantozzi@uqconnect.edu.au.
authors.forename: A M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Pierantozzi
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Steel
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Seleem
mesh_terms: D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D001315:Australia; D001364:Awareness; D002983:Clinical Competence; D000529:Complementary Therapies / Q000193:education*; D003479:Curriculum; D006801:Humans; D055048:Integrative Medicine / Q000193:education*; D007396:Internship and Residency; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
keywords: CAM; Complementary medicine; Complementary therapies; Integrative medicine; Junior doctor education