Complementary and alternative medicine education in U.S. schools and colleges of pharmacy

Abstract

Introduction The objective of this survey is to provide an update on the state of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) education and describe instructional and assessment methods across schools and colleges of pharmacy. Methods One hundred thirty-five schools of pharmacy were contacted to participate in a survey describing the incorporation of CAM education into their respective curricula. The survey also inquired about perceived barriers and future plans for CAM-related courses. Results Ninety-six schools responded to the survey (71.1%), with all schools reporting that CAM is incorporated into the curriculum. Topics covered, teaching strategies, and assessment methods varied among the 74 elective and 116 required courses described. Respondents listed lack of evidence to support CAM use as the most common barrier to CAM education, and 50% of respondents reported plans for expansion of CAM education at their schools. Conclusions CAM education in pharmacy curricula has grown over the last decade, but remains varied in topics taught and teaching methods.