Korean J Fam Med.  2010 Jan;31(1):24-34. 10.4082/kjfm.2010.31.1.24.

A Comparison of Clinical Oncologists and Family Physicians toward Complementary and Alternative Medicine in South Korea: Perceptions, Attitudes and Physician-Patient Communication

• Chung DB
• Chang YJ
• Kang SN
• Kye SY
• Yun YH
• Lee DR

• KMID: 2304432
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4082/kjfm.2010.31.1.24

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Although, its efficacy is unclear, the application of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is increasing among patients worldwide. The physician's role is very important to help patients understand and use CAM properly. The aim of this study is to examine the perceptions, attitudes and physician-patient communication of about CAM in two distinguished specialty physicians.
METHODS
A web-based survey was performed to list oncologists and family physicians in Korea between May 2007 and July 2007. E-mails were sent to total of 5,429 physicians and 547 physicians replied on survey (response rate: 10.1%). Of them, 500 participants comprising 174 clinical oncologists and 326 family physicians were involved in this study. The study questionnaire consisted of 26 questions including questions about general characteristics of CAM and intentions of introduction and education to their patients.
RESULTS
Of 500 physicians, males were 73.4%, and 82.0% were middle-aged 30-49. Family physicians had more interest than oncologists about CAM (79.5% and 57.5%, respectively). In addition to, family physicians preferred introducing CAM to their patients than oncologists (34.1% and 18.4%, respectively). Almost 85% of the oncologists and family physicians thought that it was necessary to introduce CAM to their patients. However, 60.2% of them had hesitated their practice because 70.3% of them did not have sufficient knowledge in CAM. Both specialty physicians responded that usefulness of CAM information when regarding practice, should contain evidence-based evaluation (59.2%) and consensus guideline (37.0%).
CONCLUSION
The results of this study showed that most physicians did not have sufficient information regarding CAM (87.2%). The result implies that evidence based information on complementaryand alternative medicine should be offered in the national level to improve communication between physicians and patients.

Keyword

Complementary and Alternative Medicine; Clinical Oncologist; Family Physician; Perception; Attitude; Communication

MeSH Terms

Complementary Therapies
Consensus
Electronic Mail
Humans
Intention
Korea
Male
Physician's Role
Physicians, Family
Surveys and Questionnaires