Abstract

SIERRA-RIOS, Sandra P; URREGO-MENDOZA, Diana Z  and  JAIME-JAIMES, Julián D. Knowledge, attitudes and practice concerning complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) amongst doctors working in public hospitals in Cundinamarca, Colombia. Rev. salud pública [online]. 2012, vol.14, n.3, pp.478-490. ISSN 0124-0064.

ObjectiveIdentifying the knowledge, attitudes and practices of doctors working in public hospitals in the Cundinamarca department, Colombia, regarding complementary and alternative medicine. MethodsThis was a descriptive, quantitative observational study. The target population consisted of general practitioners and specialists involved in the 37 public hospitals in the Cundinamarca department from December 2009 to March 2010. The sample included 280 doctors (using 95 % confidence level and 0.5% error). ResultsThere was 93 % misunderstanding of complex medical systems and 91 % regarding therapeutic systems. However, 41 % of the doctors surveyed wished to receive formal training in the area of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) and 15 % had some training in this area. 18 % referred patients for CAM-related treatment and 25 % had received MAC treatment. Half of the doctors considered that CAM should be taught to medical students. 40 % considered that CAM should be included in the compulsory health plan in Colombia. Conclusions: A positive trend regarding CAM was related to a doctor's age and experience. It was also believed that demonstrable scientific evidence was available regarding CAM so they wished to receive formal education in this area. These drugs were perceived to be useful, in current use and recommended concerning their personal life and everyday medical practice, making explicit the need for access to MAC through the compulsory Colombian health plan.

Keywords : Complementary therapy; doctor; health knowledge; attitudes and practice.

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