Title
Information resource needs and preference of Queensland general practitioners on complementary medicines: result of a needs assessment
Document Type
Article
Publication details
Janamian, T, O'Rourke, P, Myers, SP, Eastwood, H, 2011, 'Information resource needs and preference of Queensland general practitioners on complementary medicines: result of a needs assessment', Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, vol. 2011.
The publisher's version of this article is available at http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2011/810908
Peer Reviewed
Peer-Reviewed
Abstract
Objectives. To explore in a cohort of Queensland (Qld) GPs' their attitudes to; knowledge about; and practice behaviour regarding complementary medicines (CMs), and to identify their perceptions of need for information resources on CMs. Design. A faxed self-administered survey to a random sample of 800 GPs in Qld. Participants. 463 completed surveys were returned, representing a 58% response rate. Results. The majority of GPs had a positive attitude about incorporating CMs in their clinical practice; however, only 12% perceived they had adequate knowledge to be able to advise patients about CMs. GPs most preferred evidence-based resources for receiving information on CMs (fact sheets, booklets, and journals) that contain clinical, pharmacological, and toxicological information. Most GPs perceived a need for an information resource on herbal medicines, vitamins, minerals, and trace elements, and nutritional supplements. Conclusion. GPs are open to integrating CMs into their clinical practice. They identify a current lack of knowledge coupled with a substantive level of interest to learn more. GPs perceive a high level of need for information resources on CMs. These resources should be developed and readily available to GPs to increase their knowledge about CMs and better equip them in communicating with patients about CMs use.
