Integrative Family Medicine - Are Louisiana Patients Ready?

PURPOSE: The purpose of this preliminary study was to assess patient readiness to use a family medicine clinic that integrates complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) with conventional medicine.

METHODS: A survey using the theory of planned behavior as a framework addressed patient attitudes and use of CAM. Descriptive statistics provided demographic characteristics. Additional analyses assessed differences among CAM users and responses to survey items.

RESULTS: Patients who self-reported as using CAM in the past 12 months were 39.8%. The majority of patients had favorable attitudes toward CAM use and integrative medicine; 62.7% reported they are likely to use CAM if offered at the clinic. Most patients want their physician to inquire about their use of CAM (61.5%) and to be trained to treat with CAM (64%).

CONCLUSIONS: Preliminary data from this study highlights patients' interest in a family medicine integrative center and may be used by providers to develop tailored messages for patients.