Attitudes of Alberta Pharmacists Pertaining to Traditional Chinese Medicine Practice and Complementary Alternative Medicine

Kathie Tam,Hoan Linh Banh

doi:10.4172/2376-0419.1000108

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the perceived attitudes toward the use of Complementary Alternative Medicine (CAM) and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) by pharmacists in Alberta Methods: An online survey was created using Google Documents®. The URL link was distributed to all registered pharmacists through Alberta College of Pharmacists monthly electronic newsletter “The Link”. Results: A total of 217 (5%) pharmacists completed the survey. Over half (54%) of pharmacists either approve or strongly approve, 20% either strongly disapproved or disapprove with the use of CAM and TCM. Sixty-four percent of pharmacists felt that they were not prepared to counsel patients regarding CAM and TCM, while 88% of pharmacists agree that TCM and CAM should be integrated in the pharmacy curriculum at the University of Alberta. Conclusions: Pharmacists felt they are not prepared to counsel patients regarding CAM and TCM. While most pharmacists have a positive attitude towards the use of CAM and TCM, it has also been identified that CAM and TCM courses should be included in the curriculum to better prepare future pharmacists.

Highlights

Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) defined by the National Institute of Health (NIH) as “a group of diverse medical and health care systems, practices, and products that are not generally considered part of conventional medicine or western medicine”. (1) According to NIH definition CAM includes [1]: 1. Natural health products (NHP); 2
The purpose of this study is to investigate the perceived attitudes and knowledge competency of pharmacists practicing in Alberta regarding Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and CAM practices
90% of pharmacists agree or strongly agree that CAM and TCM should be included in the pharmacy curriculum (Table 4)

Summary

Results

The survey was circulated three times in three months. A total of 219 surveys were completed. A total of 4200 pharmacists registered in Alberta at the time the survey was circulated which resulted in a response rate of only 5%. Almost 70% of pharmacists used CAM or TCM. Majority of pharmacists felt they are not prepared to provide patient education or counseling on CAM and TCM upon graduation. The number of pharmacists who felt confident in providing education or counseling on CAM and TCM are similar to those does not feel confident. Most pharmacists expressed interest in obtaining further education in CAM and TCM. 90% of pharmacists agree or strongly agree that CAM and TCM should be included in the pharmacy curriculum (Table 4). Regarding the patient assessment of CAM and TCM use, 79% either agreed or strongly agreed that it is essential part of standard patient care (Table 5)

Conclusions

Introduction

Study design

Discussion

Limitations