Most pediatricians are aware their patients subscribe to some type
of complementary or alternative therapies (CAM) to help with their
health conditions, yet they still choose not to discuss these types
of therapies with their patients.
Some of the resistance expressed by pediatricians for CAM treatment
options stem from a lack of knowledge about the therapies and possible
side effects. A study shows less than 5 percent of pediatricians
maintained a working knowledge of CAM therapies. Also, only a select
few were familiar with alternative therapies such as dietary supplements
or massage therapies.
Patients, on the other hand, have expressed curiosity and interest
in CAM therapies and often ask about them during routine doctor
visits. This was apparent in a study that showed a whopping 87 percent
of patients had brought forth questions to their pediatricians about
CAM therapies in the past three months.
Interestingly enough, a survey revealed that 34 percent of pediatricians
admitted to either using a form of CAD therapy for themselves or
had a family member who used these therapies in the past year.
EurekAlert
November 16, 2004
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