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BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies

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Open Access 01-12-2008 | Research article

Physician and patient attitudes towards complementary and alternative medicine in obstetrics and gynecology

Authors: Mandi L Furlow, Divya A Patel, Ananda Sen, J Rebecca Liu

Published in: BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies | Issue 1/2008

Abstract

Background

In the U.S., complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use is most prevalent among reproductive age, educated women. We sought to determine general attitudes and approaches to CAM among obstetric and gynecology patients and physicians.

Methods

Obstetrician-gynecologist members of the American Medical Association in the state of Michigan and obstetric-gynecology patients at the University of Michigan were surveyed. Physician and patient attitudes and practices regarding CAM were characterized.

Results

Surveys were obtained from 401 physicians and 483 patients. Physicians appeared to have a more positive attitude towards CAM as compared to patients, and most reported routinely endorsing, providing or referring patients for at least one CAM modality. The most commonly used CAM interventions by patients were divergent from those rated highest among physicians, and most patients did not consult with a health care provider prior to starting CAM.

Conclusion

Although obstetrics/gynecology physicians and patients have a positive attitude towards CAM, physician and patients' view of the most effective CAM therapies were incongruent. Obstetrician/gynecologists should routinely ask their patients about their use of CAM with the goal of providing responsible, evidence-based advice to optimize patient care.

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The pre-publication history for this paper can be accessed here:http://www.biomedcentral.com/1472-6882/8/35/prepub

Title: Physician and patient attitudes towards complementary and alternative medicine in obstetrics and gynecology
Authors: Mandi L Furlow
Divya A Patel
Ananda Sen
J Rebecca Liu
Publication date: 01-12-2008
Publisher: BioMed Central
Published in: BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies / Issue 1/2008
Electronic ISSN: 2662-7671
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/1472-6882-8-35

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Physician and patient attitudes towards complementary and alternative medicine in obstetrics and gynecology

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

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