Complementary and alternative medicine from the primary care physicians' viewpoint

Introduction: The patients initiate the use of complementary and alternative medicine and this often remains hidden from their primary care physician. Aim: To explore general practitioners' knowledge and attitude towards complementary and alternative medicine, and study the need and appropriate forms of education, as well as ask their opinion on integration of alternative medicine into mainstream medicine. Method: A voluntary anonymous questionnaire was used on two conferences for general practitioners organized by the Family Medicine Department of Semmelweis University. Complementary and alternative medicine was defined by the definition of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences and certified modalities were all listed. Results: 194 general practitioners answered the questionnaire (39.8% response rate). 14% of the responders had licence in at least one complementary and alternative medicine modalities, 45% used complementary and alternative medicine in their family in case of illnesses. It was the opinion of the majority (91.8%) that it was necessary to be familiar with every method used by their patients, however, 82.5% claimed not to have enough knowledge in complementary medicine. Graduate and postgraduate education in the field was thought to be necessary by 86% of the responders; increased odds for commitment in personal education was found among female general practitioners, less than 20 years professional experience and personal experience of alternative medicine. Conclusions: These data suggest that general practitioners would like to know more about complementary and alternative medicine modalities used by their patients. They consider education of medical professionals necessary and a special group is willing to undergo further education in the field.