Physicians Perception on Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM): A Cross Sectional Survey at Tertiary Care Hospital in India

Abstract

Background: Allopathic physicians are relatively unfamiliar with Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) but they’re in common use. A cross sectional survey was conducted to understand physician’s perception of it. Method: All 385 physicians from St. John’s Medical College & Hospital, Bangalore were approached. Data were collected using anonymised questionnaires on its use, perceptions, recommendation and inclusion in medical curricula. Responses were analysed according to their experience (<5, 5-10 & >10 years) and qualifications (specialists with: MD, MS, MCh, DM, Diploma or GPs with MBBS and Fellowship). Results: Responses were received from 247 (64%) of physicians. 173/38/36 (70/15/15%) had <5/5-10>10 years’ experience, half were specialists, half GPs. Their mean age was 33 years, 114 (46%) were males. 168/169/152/133/91/84 (68/68/53/54/37/34/27%) reported their patients used CAM for chronic diseases/consult their patients about CAM/said their patients informed them about it/considered it may be useful but harmful/that it increases side effects of allopathic medication/ that it worsens the condition. 67 (27%) physicians recommended it. Yoga/meditation, 57/47 (23/19%) were commonest. Most, 97/143/154/98 (39/58/62/40%) disagree with using it when allopathyis ineffective/disagree with including it in medical curricula/disagree on training doctors about it/do not recommend it. Conclusion: CAM is used ubiquitously, especially for chronic diseases. Allopathic doctors need knowledge about them and their appropriate use for better outcomes.