Discrepancy between patients’ use of and health providers’ familiarity with CAM

Objective

To compare patients’ complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use and physicians’ familiarity with certain CAM modalities in the same setting and to assess patient–provider dialogue about patients’ CAM use.

Methods

An observational survey study with convenience sampling at ambulatory family medicine clinics in two Texas cities. A total of 69 healthcare providers and 468 patients completed the surveys. Patients’ surveys assessed use of 27 CAM therapies, perception of CAM use and interaction with providers. Providers’ survey assessed perception and attitude toward CAM use.

Results

CAM modalities most used by the patients are not those modalities that providers best understood. Of the 330 patients (70%) who responded to the relevant questions about discussing CAM, 44.5% reported never having discussed CAM use with their providers. Binomial logistic regression revealed no link between age, gender or ethnicity for discussing CAM with providers. College-educated patients (adjust OR = 2.8, 95%CI = 1.3–6.0) and US citizens were both about three times more likely to discuss CAM than their counterparts.

Conclusion

Lack of knowledge and unfamiliarity with CAM modalities might prevent important patient–provider discussions.

Practice implications

Providers should use existing resources and encourage a bilateral dialogue that involves transferring of information and assisting patients in decisions making about CAM use and health care.