Browsing by Subject "Complementary"

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    Attitudes, expectations and plans of entering medical students toward complementary and alternative medicine
    (2014-05) Healey, Dale
    This study examines the views of incoming medical students toward complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) and integrative medicine (IM). Additionally, their expectations for inclusion of CAM topics in their medical school education are examined. Their plans for incorporating CAM into their future medical practices are also examined. The relationship between these variables and a set of background variables including socioeconomic status, exposure to diversity and previous experience with CAM is also examined for correlation and predictive value. Legitimacy provides a framework for this research to examine medical students' views on CAM and IM. Every healthcare profession is assigned a level of legitimacy by the public and other healthcare practitioners. These legitimacy levels vary greatly among the myriad of healthcare practices, and in part determine the participation levels of each healthcare profession in the greater healthcare system. The views of medical students toward CAM and IM, as measured by legitimacy scales developed for this research, provide insight into the question of the role of CAM and IM in the evolving U.S. healthcare system. Incoming students to the Medical School at the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities Medical School were surveyed to provide the data for this analysis. Scales were developed from the survey items to form the basis for comparison among variables. In addition to several other background variables, a CAM Familiarity scale was developed as measure of student experience with CAM. Scales were also developed for each of four dependent variables. The CAM Legitimacy scale was developed as a measure of student perceptions of CAM and its role in the healthcare market. The CAM Expectations scale is a measure of student expectations for the inclusion of CAM topics in their medical school curriculum. IM is used to describe an approach to medical practice which emphasizes such elements as the practitioner-patient relationship, care for the whole person, evidence-informed care, and a team approach to care which draws on the strengths of many healthcare professionals to achieve optimal health. The IM Legitimacy scale is an indication of student views toward this approach to care. Lastly, the CAM Plans scale is a measure of student intent to incorporate CAM into their future medical practices. One hundred six medical students completed the survey out of 168 students who received the survey, resulting in a completion percentage of 63 percent. Selected findings of the survey are summarized here:1) Higher levels of CAM use and familiarity are associated with a higher legitimacy rating of CAM. In the case of CAM Use and CAM Legitimacy (r = .46, p < .01) and for CAM Familiarity and CAM Legitimacy (r = .29, p < .01); 2) Higher levels of CAM use and familiarity are also correlated with student plans to incorporate CAM into their future medical practices. In the case of CAM Use and CAM Plans (r = .43, p < .01) and for CAM Familiarity and CAM Plans (r = .23, p < .05); 3) The linear regression model designed to explore the predictive value of student characteristics on IM Legitimacy rating was statistically significant (R2=.46, p < .01). In this model, CAM Familiarity had predictive value for IM Legitimacy ratings with a standardized regression coefficient of .40 (p < .01).4) The linear regression model designed to explore the predictive value of the intermediate outcome variable of CAM Familiarity, CAM Use, CAM Legitimacy and CAM Expectations on CAM Plans was statistically significant (R2 = .76, p < .001). In this model, CAM Legitimacy had strong, positive predictive value for CAM Plans with a standardized regression coefficient of 0.78 (p < .001). The study builds upon previous work examining attitudes toward CAM and considerations for inclusion of CAM topics in medical school curricula. Implications for medical school curricula and learning activities follow from this study. As medical school curricula adapt to the societal and student expectations, the manner in which health care is delivered will change, hopefully for the better.
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    Use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) in racial, ethnic and immigrant (REI) populations: assessing the influence of cultural heritage and access to medical care.
    (2011-03) Zhang, Lixin
    Background --- Though substantial and growing use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) in the general population has been documented in recent years, little is known about CAM utilization patterns among racial, ethnic and immigrant (REI) populations groups. Objectives --- To examine variation in the use of CAM among REI populations, and assess the influence of cultural heritage and access to medical care on CAM use Conceptual Model --- Adapted Behavioral Model of Vulnerable Population with added REI domains. Method --- Data are from Survey of Health of Adults, the Population and the Environment (SHAPE) collected in Hennepin County, Minnesota in 2002. The final sample consists of 9,959 respondents with 2,794 from racial and ethnic minorities and 1,007 interviews were completed in languages other than English. The outcome measures were the use of five CAM therapies in the previous 12 months. Results --- Overall, 42% of the adults in the total population used at least one of the five CAM therapies in the past 12 month. CAM use is prevalent among REI populations, particularly among American Indians, Asians and Whites. The use of individual CAM varies across racial and ethnic populations and the pattern of use conforms to the racial and ethnic origins of the modalities. Cultural heritage influences CAM use and the level of influence is stronger for culturally-relevant CAM. Lack of insurance coverage, delayed medical care and not having a physician’s clinic as regular source of care are associated with a higher likelihood of CAM use. Lack of access to conventional health care has a stronger influence on CAM use in some racial and ethnic groups. Lack of insurance coverage and barriers to needed medical care play a larger role in the use of CAM among immigrants. Conclusion --- CAM has an important role in promoting culturally competent care particularly in REI populations. CAM may serve as an alternative option for those lacking adequate access to medical care, particularly among immigrants and people of racial and ethnic populations.