Professional development in complementary medicine/homeopathy

Abstract

Because of growing patient demand for complementary medical services as well as new ways of financing these from statutory health insurance, specialist doctors, especially in general practice, are finding they need to acquire additional qualifications in, amongst other things, homeopathy. We investigated how doctors arrange their professional development in these areas and also we undertook a survey amongst medical students of their needs and interest in learning complementary medicine. The questionnaire examined how and when the teaching of complementary medicine should take place in the course of medical studies from the perspective of both students and doctors. We looked at biographical influences, as well as prior knowledge and expectations of students and doctors about complementary medicine. To process it we used a multi-method approach that combined quantitative methods of data ascertainment (standardized questionnaires) as well as qualitative methods (narrative interviews). Using these we questioned students and doctors about how they choose to further develop their understanding of complementary medicine. Both quantitative and qualitative analysis showed that students – no matter what age, sex or prior knowledge – would like more diversified teaching in the area of complementary medicine. They consider this to be integral to a holistic view of the patient. It became clear through the statistical analysis of their needs and interests that the greater their experience with complementary medicine, the greater was their holistic appreciation of their patients. This was also correlated with greater self-reflective behaviour. It seems that attention to complementary medicine before and after studying helps to foster a professional understanding of this field that is additional to the traditional medical studies. Through this optional teaching in the area of complementary medicine, interested students may receive the opportunity of early exposure, which may facilitate their further education in complementary medicine. Homeopathy should be included as an optional addition to medical studies. The evaluation results assisted us in the conception of two clinical elective subjects: homeopathy and TCIM. Furthermore we are in the process of developing of a master's degree course in the integrated practice of homeopathy, in cooperation with the central Society of Homeopathy and Otto-von-Guericke-University, Magdeburg.