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 suffi cient 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.

Citations

• Experiences and Perceptions of Gender Discrimination and Equality among Korean Surgeons: Results of a Survey of the Korean Surgical Society
  Jihyeon Choi, Jeong-Eun Lee, Bora Choi, Jungook Kim, Seung Eun Lee
  Journal of Korean Medical Science.2021;[Epub]     CrossRef
• Perspectives of Cancer Patients on Korean Medicine Treatments: A Cross-sectional Survey
  Han-sung Ryu, Sung-soo Yoon, Jee-young Lee, Seong-woo Yoon
  The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine.2017; 38(3): 319.     CrossRef
• Nurses' Knowledge, Perceived Barriers, and Practices Regarding Complementary and Alternative Medicine in South Korea
  Sanghee Kim, Myung-Nam Lee, Senah Lee
  Holistic Nursing Practice.2016; 30(6): 338.     CrossRef

Background
: There is a widespread increase in the use of CAM by patients with rheumatic disease. This study was performed to identify the prevalence of CAM use and determining factors affecting CAM use by patients with rheumatic disease.

Methods : From October 23 to November 31 in 2003, face-to-face structured interviews were conducted in a rheumatology hospital in Seoul. A total of 182 patients with rheumatic disease, who visited the hospital, participated.

Results : CAM was used by 59.3% (95% CI=52.1∼66.2%) of the patients with rheumatic disease. The most common use of CAM was traditional Chinese medicine such as acupuncture and herbs. Demographic variables were not predictive for the use of CAM. As the duration of disease was longer, probability on CAM use was lower (odd ratio: 0.922, 95% CI=0.855∼0.994). CAM use on disabled people who registered were 4.623 (95% CI=1.105∼19.348) times higher than non-disabled.

Conclusion : CAM use is common in patients with rheumatic disease. The duration of disease and physical disability were the influencing factors for using CAM. These findings support a need for outcome studies on the effectiveness of CAM in rheumatic disease, as well as the improvement of providing patients with information on CAM usage.

Background
: Use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine(CAM) is common among patients with chronic conditions such as rheumatic disorder. This study was conducted to know rate and behavior of using CAM and to improve doctor-patient relationship in rheumatic patients.

Methods : Among patients visiting a tertiary hospital rheumatology clinic, 867 persons (15.8% of total) were selected conveniently and interviewed by a trained nurse according to structured questionnaire from July 1st through July 31st 1999. Three hundred and sixty two CAM users completed the interview.

Results : Among 867 persons interviewed, 372 persons had used CAM (use rate 44%). Use rate of Chinese medicine was 26%, CAM except Chinese medicine 21%. Herb medicine(49.4%) was the commonest single category of all CAM. Twenty four percents of users had used two or more types of CAM, 6.8% had experienced adverse effects. The average yearly cost for CAM was 704,000 won/person, 64% of the one for hospital use, 1,100,000 won/person. The subjectively rated degree of effectiveness was 6.3 points which was significantly higher when compared with 5.9 points for hospital services. The degree of satisfaction with CAM was 5.6 points which was higher than that of hospital services, 4.8 points. The most frequently reported reason for using CAM was the hope for synergistic treatment effect(32%). The proportion of experiencing adverse effects from CAM was 7% of all users. Only one fourth of the users had discussed on the CAM use with the western doctors. The commonest reason for not discussing CAM was that the respondents had no need to discuss about it (40%). Among doctor's attitudes when discussing CAM with patient, limited aproval was most common(40%).

Conclusion : Among patients with rheumatic conditions, 44% use CAM. Herb medicine was most commonly used CAM. Comparing with hospital services, cost for CAM is 2/3 but its subjective effectiveness and satisfaction are higher. Western doctors must consider appropriately the need from users of alternative medicine.