Expertise about herbs and dietary supplements among diverse health professionals.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Herbs and other dietary supplements are among the most commonly used complementary medical therapies. However, clinicians generally have limited knowledge, confidence and communication about herbs and dietary supplements (HDS). We compared diverse clinicians' expertise about HDS to better target future curricula.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional survey of physicians, pharmacists, nurses, dietitians and trainees in these professions prior to e-curriculum about HDS in 2004-2005. The survey had 28 questions about knowledge, 19 questions about their confidence and 11 questions about their communication practices about HDS.

Results

Of the 1,268 participants, 25% were male; the average age was 40 years. Mean scores were 66% correct for knowledge; 53/95 on t

SUBMITTER: Kemper KJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC1557537 | biostudies-literature | 2006 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature