Training in and use of diagnostic techniques among CAM practitioners: an Australian study

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to determine the extent to which complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) practitioners in Australia are trained in and use CAM and Western medical diagnostic techniques, and the influence this may have on their role as primary contact practitioners. DESIGN: A 45-item questionnaire was mailed to members of the Australian Natural Therapists' Association and the Australian Traditional Medicine Society. RESULTS: We received 617 responses (22%). Respondents reported high frequency of training in and use of Western case history taking, observation, taking blood pressure and pulses, palpation, postural assessment, orthopaedic testing, in addition to naturopathic case history taking, iris diagnosis, and face, tongue, and nail diagnosis. We found a significant relationship between the confidence practitioners had in identifying clients requiring referral and their training in these areas. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the reported high frequency of training in and use of Western medical and CAM diagnostic techniques, 32% of respondents reported a lack of confidence in identifying patients requiring referral. This could compromise the safety of clients and the effectiveness of practice.     

Asthma in Hispanics in the United States

The Hispanic population in the United States is diverse in many respects. Although there is marked variation in the prevalence, morbidity, and mortality of asthma among Hispanic subgroups in the United States, these differences are poorly understood. Future stu-dies of asthma should include large samples of Hispanic subgroups that are well characterized in terms of self-reported ethnicity, country of origin, place of birth, area of residence, and indicators of socioeconomic status. Because a significant proportion of Hispanics live in poverty, public health interventions aimed at improving access to health care and housing conditions would have a major impact on reducing asthma morbidity among Hispanics in the United States.