World Reflexology blog based in Athens Greece by Spiridon Dimitrakoulas, Orthopedic Reflexologist.
"All people should learn the art of medicine, Hippocrate, especially those who are educated and have experience with words, because this is beautiful and at the same time usefull in life." -
- Democritus
Integrating complementary and alternative medicine into medical intern teaching: Preliminary findings from an Australian Hospital
Abstract
Globally, the use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) as a component of healthcare is well documented [1]. In Australia, despite escalating use of CAM [2], inclusion within medical curriculum is poorly developed. This study reports findings from a pilot-study of medical interns which examined whether the delivery of a CAM education session had impacted on their attitude, perceived knowledge and subsequent clinical practice. The results indicate that the participants' attitudes towards CAM education were positive, with 92% of participants considering it important for inclusion in junior doctor education. Post-session, participants also reported an acquisition of knowledge in relation to common interactions between CAM and conventional medical treatments and indicated a positive impact on subsequent clinical practice, specifically noting increased awareness of CAM enquiry in clinical practice. Results of this pilot study indicate that CAM and junior doctor education may have a positive impact on improving patient safety and management.