Attitudes toward integration of complementary and alternative medicine in primary care: Perspectives of patients, physicians and complementary practitioners

Patients, PCPs, and CAM practitioners suggested that family physicians play a central role in CAM referral and, to a lesser extent, that they actually provide CAM treatment themselves in integrative primary care clinics.

Abstract

PCPs need to be aware of their present and future role in informed referral to CAM and, to a lesser degree, in providing CAM in integrative primary care clinics. With the increasing use of CAM, patients may expect their family physician to be more knowledgeable, skillful, and have a balanced approach regarding CAM use. In addition, practitioners should learn how to communicate effectively and better collaborate with CAM practitioners to the benefit of their patients.