Abstract
Abstract Introduction International studies report high use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) by emergency department (ED) patients and low levels of knowledge about CAM among registered nurses (RNs) and physicians. However, the current situation in Swedish EDs is unknown. This study explored knowledge, attitudes, and patient communication about CAM among physicians and RNs working within the Swedish ED context. Method This research was performed as a cross-sectional questionnaire study at six EDs in the middle of Sweden. Results Both RNs and physicians (84.7% of all participants) rated their CAM knowledge as low, but wished to gain more knowledge in the area (62.7%). A majority (58.8%) of the participants believed it to be of some importance that they had knowledge about CAM. Of the participants, 68% were interested in taking part in CAM research, and 43.8% had the opinion that more research resources should be reserved for CAM research. 41.2% reported their patient communication about CAM as non-existent or low. Conclusion Knowledge about CAM and CAM research among Swedish ED staff was indicated as very low, but with a presence of gaining more knowledge. The opinion that more funding should be allocated to CAM research existed. Communication with patients about CAM rarely occurred.
Published Version
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