Integrative nursing in the Brazilian northeast: introduction, potential, and challenges.

OBJECTIVE: to describe the introduction, potential, and challenges experienced by nurses in the provision of Integrative and Complementary Health Practices in the northeast f Brazil. METHOD: A qualitative study conducted from June to December 2022 with 15 northeastern nurses qualified in Integrative and Complementary Practices. The data were produced through individual online interviews and submitted to content analysis. RESULTS: 15 nurses participated, and 23 integrative practices were cited, with a predominance of auriculotherapy, greater introduction in primary care and private nursing offices, highlighting labor and personal benefits. Their potential includes technical qualification for the practice and interest in continuing education. The hospital-centric view of professionals, the low diffusion on the theme in teaching, as well as the difficulty in pricing procedures and in developing clinical reasoning in other medical rationalities were cited as the main challenges. CONCLUSION: Despite the challenges still faced, northeastern nurses are offering integrative practices to complement user care.

Sociodemographic and training profile of nursing professionals in the state of São Paulo in relation to Integrative and Complementary Health Practices.

OBJECTIVE: to analyze the sociodemographic and training profile of nursing professionals in the state of São Paulo in relation to Integrative and Complementary Practices in Health. METHOD: cross-sectional study, developed with 3,794 nursing professionals in the state of São Paulo, from 645 municipalities. To collect data, an online questionnaire was used containing sociodemographic and professional training variables. A hierarchical multiple Poisson regression model was constructed, considering training in practices as the dependent variable, with a significance level of 5%. RESULTS: of the 3,794 (100%) participants, 479 (12.62%) had training in Integrative and Complementary Health Practices. The most frequent practices were auriculotherapy, Traditional Chinese Medicine/acupuncture and Reiki. The predominant training modalities were free, face-to-face and theoretical-practical courses. The variables age, no formal religion, higher education and specialization level, working hours and knowledge and previous experience on integrative practices were significant. CONCLUSION: the results indicate the need to encourage and expand the training of Integrative and Complementary Health Practices for nursing professionals, in order to strengthen their performance in health services.

Challenges and solutions in developing an objective and structured clinical examination for complementary and integrative medicine: A mixed-method approach.

This study explores the challenges encountered by developers when creating objective and structured clinical examination (OSCE) modules specifically for Korean medicine (KM). The complexity of developing pattern identification (PI) items, due to the lack of standardized materials and ambiguity in KM, was a primary focus. A mixed-method approach was utilized, including a survey, importance-performance analysis, and focus group interviews. Seven developers participated, creating a total of 21 OSCE modules. The main difficulties identified were in developing PI items, selecting appropriate cases, crafting realistic examination situations, determining scoring criteria, setting up checklists, and writing scenarios. Challenges were categorized into "case," "examination situation," "postexamination notes," "checklist," "scenario," "format," and "PI." The importance-performance analysis revealed improvements in module development capabilities with each iteration. For the future development of efficient OSCE modules, standardization of KM diagnostic methods and PI is essential. The study highlights the need for social and academic efforts, as well as support from the KM education community and schools, to address these challenges and enhance the development process.

Effects of training oncology physicians advising patients on complementary and integrative therapies on patient-reported outcomes: 2-year follow-up of the multi-center, cluster-randomized KOKON-KTO study.

PURPOSE: Many cancer patients wish for complementary and integrative medicine (CIM) consultations led by their oncology physician. Within the KOKON-KTO study, oncology physicians in the intervention group were trained in a blended learning to provide CIM consultations to their cancer patients in addition to distributing a leaflet about CIM websites. Control oncology physicians only distributed the leaflet. The training showed positive effects on the patient-level. As of now, no consistent evidence exists on the long-term effects of such one-time-only CIM consultation during cancer treatment. METHODS: In the KOKON-KTO follow-up study, cancer patients previously participating in the KOKON-KTO study (intervention group:IG and control group: CG) received, at least 24 months later, a follow-up questionnaire by post, evaluating long-term effects of the KOKON-KTO consultation using the measures provided in the original study (patient-physician communication (EORTC-QLQ-COMU2), satisfaction with cancer treatment (PS-CaTE), CIM disclosure with healthcare provider (HCP), and need for CIM consultation during cancer therapy). RESULTS: In total, 102 cancer patients participated in the follow-up study (IG n = 62; CG n = 40). The overall reponse rate was around 36% (IG: 48.4%; CG: 23.7%). In the follow-up study, differences between groups had increased and were still shown (EORTC-QLQ-COMU26, 0-100 point scale, ≥10-point-group difference) in some subscales: patient's active behavior (in means; IG:73.6 (95% CI, 63.8-83.5); CG:61.1 (95% CI, 52.4-69.8)); clinician-patient relationship (IG:80.9 (95% CI, 71.8-90.0); CG:68.7 (95% CI, 59.3-78.0)). For some outcomes, differences decreased over time (e.g., EORTC-QLQ-COMU26 subscales "takes into account patient's preference" and "corrects misunderstandings"). More patients in the CG used CIM without oncology physicians' knowledge (IG: 13.7%, CG: 24.0%). CONCLUSION: This study presents first findings that one-time-only CIM consultations may enhance patient-physican relationship and CIM disclosure long-term. To further support cancer patients' in their wish for CIM consultations, training programs should provide oncology physicians with CIM competencies for different cancer stages including cancer survivors.

Do Medical Sciences Students Have the Proper Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice, Regarding the Complementary and Alternative Medicine in Iran?

Background: The increasing use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) has changed expectations of healthcare professionals concerning the knowledge, attitude, and practice of CAM. The present study aimed to investigate the knowledge, attitude, and practice of students of Arak University of Medical Sciences (Iran) in 2020 concerning CAM. Methods: The present descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on 226 medical sciences students using targeted quota sampling. The data collection tool was a researcher-made questionnaire based on valid scientific articles and literature. The questionnaire was comprised of 92 items and assessed students' knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding CAM. Results: The study participants' mean CAM knowledge and attitude scores were 14.12±6.1 and 58.7±29.28, respectively. The primary information sources included mass media, the internet, and friends. Most participants (63.4%) were willing to use CAM methods. The most common CAM was herbal therapy (29.1%), and the most common reason for using, was gastrointestinal problems (39.2%). Conclusion: The participants indicated moderate knowledge and poor attitude regarding CAM. Thus, considering the extensive application of CAM methods among the participants and their insufficient knowledge and inappropriate attitude, that is recommended to include CAM methods be included besides the conventional medicine, in the academic curriculum of students of medical sciences.

The effectiveness of teaching complementary and alternative medicine based on the components of theory of planned behavior on nutrition students: multicenter research study.

OBJECTIVE: Safe and beneficial use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) modalities results from integrating CAM education into curricula and increasing CAM knowledge. We sought how much teaching CAM procedures in a virtual environment can influence the components of the theory of planned behavior (TPB), including knowledge, attitude, behavioral intention, and behavior of nutrition students. METHODS: This cross-sectional descriptive-analytic study was conducted on 162 undergraduate nutrition students were selected through convenience sampling based on inclusion criteria in 2021-2022. Data were collected through a validated researcher-made CAM questionnaire that was designed based on TPB questionnaire that consisted of four constructs (knowledge, attitude, behavioral intention, and behavior). The content validity index and content validity ratio of the questionnaire were evaluated. RESULTS: Our results revealed that students who significantly scored the highest scores in attitude, behavioral intention, and behavior constructs were the students who claimed that "teaching two credits of CAM for nutrition students is not enough" (p. value = < 0.001, < 0.001, and 0.005, respectively). In addition, these students used treatment methods of CAM for themselves, suggested treatment methods of CAM to others, and followed the recommendations of the CAM specialists (for three pairwise comparisons: p. value = < 0.001, < 0.001, and < 0.001, respectively). The attitude could predict 70% of behavioral intention. However, attitude and behavioral intention could predict 90% of behavior. CONCLUSION: Attitude was the most critical determinant influencing behavioral intention and behavior. CAM teaching using evidence-based CAM-ITM principles with a succinct, concerted, and collaborative curriculum, integration of CAM into continuing education, and integration of educational CAM programs continuously for several years into the academic curriculum in the actual setting influence the success of the educational CAM program.

Naturopathic Workforce: A Global Resource Toward the Declaration of Astana Goals-A Multimethods Study.

Introduction: The World Health Organization identified health to be the most important social goal and the 1978 Declaration of Alma Ata placed primary health care central to its attainment and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as the template. The Astana Declaration called on a change of focus in primary care, from treatment of specific diseases to the prevention and inclusion of both scientific and traditional knowledge. Such objectives require public-private partnerships in providing health care, including traditional and complementary medicine systems such as naturopathy that align. However, there is limited understanding of global regulatory frameworks and officially recognized training for naturopathy. Materials and Methods: This descriptive study employs an adapted mixed-methods explanatory framework to examine naturopathy regulation and education. Analysis merges data arising from a descriptive policy analysis of regulation from 36 countries and survey analysis from 65 naturopathic organizations from 29 countries. Results: Four types of workforce regulation were identified within 107 countries where naturopathy was practiced-statutory registration or occupational licensing, coregulation, negative licensing, and voluntary certification. No form of naturopathic regulation was most common. Higher graduate/postgraduate education and access to a broader range of practices were more frequently reported in countries where naturopathy is statutory regulated. Government audits were more frequently reported where naturopathy was statutory regulated or coregulated. Discussion: Naturopathic philosophy and practice align with primary health care goals outlined in the Declaration of Astana. The naturopathic workforce represents an untapped health care resource with a demonstrated track record of translating these aspirational goals into practice. However, naturopathy remains inconsistently regulated globally, serving as a significant barrier to partnering with other health system actors to attain the health-related SDGs. Workforce regulation for the naturopathic profession offers increased standards, reduced risks, integrative health workforce planning, and assistance to countries toward achieving the promise of the Declaration of Astana.

Veterinary Naturopathy and Complementary Medicine: A Survey among Homepages of German Veterinary Practitioners.

BACKGROUND: The use and interest in veterinary naturopathy and complementary medicine are increasing and modes of treatment are diverse. To this point, only a few data on the German situation in small animal medicine exist. MATERIAL AND METHODS: An online research of 1,083 German veterinary homepages for contents of veterinary naturopathy and complementary medicine was performed in September and October 2017. "Veterinarian" and "Chamber of Veterinary Surgeons" were used as search items. Homepages of small animal medicine were included. They were surveyed for modes of complementary and naturopathic treatments and corresponding qualifications of the offering veterinarian. Data were collected and processed using Excel 2013 Version 15.0. Afterward, a descriptive data analysis was performed. RESULTS: 60.7% (n = 657) of homepages showed contents of veterinary naturopathy and complementary medicine. The highest percentage was found in the Chamber of Veterinary Surgeons of Saarland (91.7%, n = 11 out of 12). Homeopathy was cited most frequently (58%, n = 381). Out of all homepages with relevant content, 31.4% (n = 206) gave information about user qualifications, with continuous education programs named most frequently (52.9%, n = 109). CONCLUSION: The given data illustrate the high number of German veterinary homepages with contents of veterinary naturopathy and complementary medicine, corresponding to actual data of a high usage in veterinary and human medicine. Therefore, further scientific research in this field seems reasonable. Modes of treatment and qualifications are highly diverse and despite of controversial public discussions, homeopathy was the most frequently cited treatment modality on German veterinary homepages.

[Complementary and Alternative Medicine Offers of Teaching Practices for General Medicine]. / Komplementär- und alternativmedizinische Angebote von Lehrpraxen für Allgemeinmedizin.

OBJECTIVE: Germany's new medical licensure act has increased the importance of general practice in academic medical education. This study gives an overview of complementary and alternative medicine in general teaching practices in Germany and their adherence to evidence-based criteria which is required in order to qualify as a teaching practice. METHODS: After a systematic search for German teaching practices, we assessed their diagnostic and therapeutic offers via their websites. We calculated the various frequencies of treatments and differentiated between evidence-based complementary medicine and alternative medicine with little to no evidence. RESULTS: Of 4102 practices, more than half offered complementary and/or alternative treatment. Most of those were treatments approved of by the German medical association. Alternative medicine was offered by 18.2% of the practices. CONCLUSION: Collective terms and conflicting evidence complicate the classification of treatments. Teaching practices offering non-evidence-based treatment raise the question whether recruitment of additional teaching practices stands at odds with the quality of medical education. Explicit offers of alternative treatment should disqualify a teaching practice as such. Controversial treatment may be taught academically and during residency with a focus on evidence-based guidelines and communication skills in order to prepare young medical practitioners for talks with their patients about the subject.

Pediatric oncologists' perspectives on the use of complementary medicine in pediatric cancer patients in Switzerland: A national survey-based cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: There is a widespread use of complementary therapies among pediatric cancer patients. Previous studies provided evidence that communication between pediatric oncologists (POs) and patients/families about the use of these therapies is often incomplete. Furthermore, nationwide studies on this topic are rare. AIMS: We assessed POs' perspectives on the use of complementary medicine (CM) in Switzerland, on the basis of an edited survey previously used in a nationwide study. METHODS AND RESULTS: A link to an online survey was sent by e-mail to each of the fifty-two eligible pediatric oncologists in all nine Swiss Pediatric Oncology Group (SPOG) centers. Eligible respondents were board-certified (Switzerland or abroad) POs currently working at a SPOG center. The survey was available for a total period of 2 months. We received 29 filled questionnaires (overall response rate: 56%). Most POs (59%) indicated that they ask more than 50% of their patients about CM use. Frequent reasons for not asking about the use of CM were i) forgetting to ask (55%), ii) lack of knowledge on the subject (31%), and iii) lack of time (24%). More than every second PO (55%) reported having a lack of knowledge on the subject. A majority of POs (66% to 76%) indicated interest in learning more about specific CM topics (cannabinoids, hypnosis and relaxation, music therapy, herbal medicine, acupuncture, meditation, and yoga). More information and specific training opportunities on the use of CM was deemed important by 76% to 97% of POs. CONCLUSION: POs working in Switzerland identify complementary therapies as an important subject. Swiss POs are willing to acquire more knowledge on CM. More training seems to be necessary in order to increase awareness about the topic, to enhance communication about complementary therapies and thus to improve patient care.

Musicoterapia em crianças com transtorno de déficit de atenção e hiperatividade / Music therapy in childen with attention deficit disorder and hyperactivity / Musicoterapia en niños con trastorno por déficit de atención e hiperactividad

O Transtorno de Déficit de atenção e Hiperatividade (TDAH) é um transtorno de origem hereditária que acomete entre 3 a 5% das crianças em todo o mundo, causando nelas problemas de aprendizagem e socialização, o transtorno também pode continuar se manifestando na idade adulta, causando além dos sintomas já citados problemas nos relacionamentos. A Musicoterapia é uma das terapias integrativas e complementares reconhecidas pelo Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS) brasileiro para ser aplicada na atenção básica, assim esse trabalho teve como objetivo estudar o tema do TDAH e como a Musicoterapia pode ser empregada nessa síndrome. Não foram muitos os trabalhos encontrados na literatura descrevendo práticas da Musicoterapia em pacientes com TDAH, porém os estudos publicados têm mostrado que ela possui resultados positivos na melhoria de vida e bem-estar desses pacientes, principalmente com o emprego de técnicas da Musicoterapia ativa.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a disorder of hereditary origin that affects between 3 and 5% of children worldwide, causing them learning and socialization problems, the disorder can also continue to manifest in adulthood, causing in addition to the symptoms already mentioned problems in relationships. Music Therapy is one of the integrative and complementary therapies recognized by the Brazilian Unified Health System (SUS) to be applied in primary care, in order to understand this issue this work aimed to study the theme of ADHD and how Music Therapy can be used in this syndrome. Few studies could been found in the literature describing Music Therapy practices in ADHD patients however, published studies have shown that it has positive results in improving the lives and well-being of these patients, mainly with the use of active Music Therapy techniques.

El Trastorno por Déficit de Atención e Hiperactividad (TDAH) es un trastorno de origen hereditario que afecta a entre el 3 y el 5% de los niños de todo el mundo, provocando en ellos problemas de aprendizaje y socialización, el trastorno también puede seguir manifestándose en la edad adulta, provocando además de los síntomas ya mencionados problemas en las relaciones. La musicoterapia es una de las terapias integradoras y complementarias reconocidas por el Sistema Único de Salud (SUS) brasileño para ser aplicada en la atención básica, por lo que este trabajo tuvo como objetivo estudiar el tema del TDAH y cómo la musicoterapia puede ser utilizada en este síndrome. No se han encontrado muchos trabajos en la literatura que describan las prácticas de Musicoterapia en pacientes con TDAH, sin embargo, los estudios publicados han demostrado que tiene resultados positivos en la mejora de la vida y el bienestar de estos pacientes, principalmente con el uso de técnicas de Musicoterapia activa.

Education Competencies for Integrative Oncology in Germany: Results of a Stakeholder Engagement Survey Study.

BACKGROUND: Integrative Medicine (IM) training programs in oncology lacked standardized education core competencies to ensure the practical relevance of its learning content and objectives. In a previous international and interprofessional consensus procedure, core competencies were developed for health professionals working in Integrative Oncology (IO). However, the transferability of the developed core competencies to IO physicians working in Germany has not yet been verified. The overall aim of this survey study as part of the KOKON Project (Kompetenznetzwerk Komplementärmedizin in der Onkologie; Competence Network Complementary Medicine in Oncology) was to investigate if the international core competencies developed for IO for a broader group of health professionals are suitable for physicians in Germany. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Paper-pencil and digital questionnaires were distributed amongst various stakeholder groups (cancer patients and representatives; IO physicians; members of IM organization and IM researchers; multipliers of cancer support groups). The stakeholders were asked to rate the 37 core competencies developed according to their importance for the respective stakeholder group (not important, moderately, very important). Analyses were conducted using a 60% agreement threshold for medium to highly important competencies and 50% agreement threshold for highly important competencies. RESULTS: We contacted different persons from various stakeholder groups (n > 370) with a survey response rate of 55.5-68.4% (n = 271) depending on the respective stakeholder group. Using the 50% agreement threshold, all competencies were accepted by the stakeholder groups. 27 competencies were considered very important by 60% of the survey participants. In particular, cancer patients and cancer support groups showed similar results. CONCLUSION: The list of developed international core competencies for IM health professionals seems to be suitable for physicians providing IO in Germany according to different stakeholder groups. The implementation of competencies can support the development of evidence-based, patient-centered training programs for physicians.

[State of complementary and alternative medicine education in psychiatry residency programs]. / Medicina integrativa en la enseñanza de la Psiquiatría: actitudes y conocimientos respecto a la medicina complementaria y alternativa en docentes de programas de la especialidad.

BACKGROUND: The incorporation of integrative medicine as a holistic approach increased in medical education. However, complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) formal teaching in psychiatry residency programs is limited. AIM: To assess the incorporation of CAM education in different Chilean psychiatry programs and to determine the knowledge and attitudes toward this issue. MATERIAL AND METHODS: An online survey was sent to 80 academic staff from five psychiatry programs. Forty-nine participants answered the survey (61%). Some of the questionnaire topics were the inclusion of CAM content in the program, types of CAM included, and motivation and strategies for the CAM content incorporation in their training curriculum. RESULTS: Most respondents answered that there is no formal CAM content in their program's curriculum. The main topics to incorporate CAM in a psychiatry residency are sleep hygiene, stress management, and motivational interviewing. The lack of knowledge, time constraints, and the limited resources are major barriers to include CAM in their curriculums. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that many academic staff of Chilean psychiatry training programs are aware of the importance of having CAM content in their curriculum. However, some barriers hinder their incorporation and implementation.

Medicina integrativa en la enseñanza de la Psiquiatría: actitudes y conocimientos respecto a la medicina complementaria y alternativa en docentes de programas de la especialidad / State of complementary and alternative medicine education in psychiatry residency programs

Background: The incorporation of integrative medicine as a holistic approach increased in medical education. However, complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) formal teaching in psychiatry residency programs is limited. Aim: To assess the incorporation of CAM education in different Chilean psychiatry programs and to determine the knowledge and attitudes toward this issue. Material and Methods: An online survey was sent to 80 academic staff from five psychiatry programs. Forty-nine participants answered the survey (61%). Some of the questionnaire topics were the inclusion of CAM content in the program, types of CAM included, and motivation and strategies for the CAM content incorporation in their training curriculum. Results: Most respondents answered that there is no formal CAM content in their program's curriculum. The main topics to incorporate CAM in a psychiatry residency are sleep hygiene, stress management, and motivational interviewing. The lack of knowledge, time constraints, and the limited resources are major barriers to include CAM in their curriculums. Conclusions: Our results suggest that many academic staff of Chilean psychiatry training programs are aware of the importance of having CAM content in their curriculum. However, some barriers hinder their incorporation and implementation.

The Effect of a Complementary Therapy Education Seminar on Support Persons of Individuals with Cancer.

Objectives: Complementary therapy (CT) use is prevalent among individuals living with cancer, who often consult family and friends (i.e., support persons) in making decisions about CT. This study examines the effect of an education seminar for adult cancer patients and support persons on the support persons' use, knowledge, and decision-making processes related to CT. Design: A patient education seminar that included support persons was developed and evaluated as part of a CT decision support research program. Survey data were collected before and after the education seminar to examine its impact on support persons' knowledge and use of CT, as well as their engagement in the CT decision-making process. Setting: The study was conducted in Western Canada. Subjects: 62 adult support persons. Interventions: Participants attended a 4-h CT education seminar at one in four provincial cancer centers. The seminar provided recommendations regarding how to make informed decisions about CT, where to find credible information, and key issues to consider to avoid potential risks of CT use. The evidence related to popular CT was also reviewed. Outcome Measures: The primary outcome was support persons' CT knowledge. Secondary outcomes included CT use, information-seeking behavior, decision self-efficacy, decision conflict, and distress. Results: A significant increase in support persons' CT knowledge was observed, as well as improved confidence in CT decision making. There was no significant difference in participants' CT use following the education seminar. Most indicated they would continue to locate information about CT using the Internet. A significant decrease in support persons' decisional conflict was reported; however, there were no significant change in distress related to CT decision making. Conclusions: This study demonstrates the importance of including support persons in patient education related to CT and the positive impact on their knowledge and treatment decision-making processes. No significant change in CT use, information seeking behavior and distress related to CT decisions, however, was observed in the study.

Multimedia Fitosotf: Una fuente para el aprendizaje de la Medicina Natural y Tradicional / Multimedia Fitosotf: A source for learning Natural and Traditional Medicine

Introducción: La medicina natural es una disciplina capaz de transformar la manera de ver la medicina, la vida y el universo mismo. La práctica es tan antigua como la humanidad. Es la ciencia cuyo objetivo es el conocimiento y el manejo de las actividades que permiten la restitución, fomento y promoción de la salud, considerando los aspectos ecológicos, sociales, mentales, físicos y espirituales. Objetivo: Realizar una multimedia para el conocimiento sobre la Medicina Natural y Tradicional, dirigido a los estudiantes de 3er año de medicina de la Facultad de Ciencias Médicas de Bayamo. Diseño Metodológico: La multimedia fue realizada en septiembre-diciembre del 2019, con la aplicación de las herramientas: JClic Author y Gimpshop con licencia GPL/ Linux. Para determinar su efectividad, se realizó un estudio cuasi-experimental sin grupo control mediante encuestas a estudiantes. El universo constituye todos los estudiantes de 3er año de la carrera de Medicina (218) y la muestra conformada por 60 estudiantes seleccionados por muestreo aleatorio simple. Resultados: Antes de aplicar la multimedia 21 estudiantes reflejaron un bajo nivel de conocimientos, para un 70%.Después de utilizar el producto informático, 27 de los encuestados mostraron un alto nivel conocimientos, lo que representa un 90%. Conclusiones: La multimedia realizada resulta de gran valor al potenciar el conocimiento en los estudiantes de medicina sobre la Medicina Natural y Tradicional, con transformación renovadora en la salud de la comunidad.

Findings from a three-round Delphi study: essential topics for interprofessional training on complementary and integrative medicine.

BACKGROUND: Integrating complementary medicine into medical care promotes patient-oriented care. A well-informed and collaborative professional healthcare team is essential for effective and patient-safe implementation of these methods. At present, the skills for patient counseling, therapy and care regarding complementary medicine vary among the professional groups involved. Professionals generally feel that they are not sufficiently qualified in this area. Curricular concepts for Complementary and Integrative Medicine (CIM) are virtually non-existent in undergraduate interprofessional training. The aim of this study is to initiate a consensus-building process between various experts (professionals, students, patient and faculty representatives) in order to identify which topics should be the focus of such a curriculum. METHODS: A three-round Delphi study was carried out from March 2018 to March 2019 to compile the experience and knowledge of experts in the field of integrative patient care and interprofessional education. Sixty-five experts from Germany and German-speaking Switzerland with various professional backgrounds and experiences were asked to name general content, therapy methods and treatment reasons which should be addressed in interprofessional seminars. In the subsequent rounds these were rated on a seven-point Likert scale. The ratings were assigned to relevance groups and discussed in a final workshop in July 2019. RESULTS: The response rates for the three rounds were 76% (n = 50), 80% (n = 40) 90% (n = 36); and 21% (n = 11) for the final workshop. The experts suggested that topics could be aligned along the most common treatment reasons such as insomnia, generalized pain, fatigue and back pain. However, it is important that students also receive an overview of the evidence base for different therapeutic concepts, especially in the field of classical natural medicine, acupuncture and mind-body medicine, and that they get an overview of the effects and interactions of frequently used procedures. CONCLUSION: Consensus was reached among the various experts on the most important topics for an interprofessional CIM curriculum. The systematic evaluation of the topics in this study can help to create a curriculum that achieves a high level of acceptance among teachers, lecturers and students, and thus facilitates implementation at universities and medical faculties.

What do medical specialists think about a proposed academic, integrative health centre in Australia? A qualitative study.

OBJECTIVES: This qualitative study aimed to explore medical specialists' perspectives on a proposed academic integrative healthcare (IHC) centre to be established in their local district. METHODS: A convenience sample of medical specialists were recruited via direct email invitations that was augmented with snowball sampling until data saturation was reached. The in-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted via telephone, audio recorded and transcribed verbatim, followed by a thematic analysis. RESULTS: Eight participants took part in the study. Three main themes emerged: 1) the benefits of an academic setting, 2) sound clinical governance, and 3) specialists in the field of traditional, complementary and integrative medicine (TCIM). Underpinning the three themes was the belief that patients were at risk of harm due to haphazard, unsupervised use of unproven TCIM. It was anticipated that an academic centre would address these issues with appropriate risk management protocols, effective interprofessional communication, and by upholding the principles of evidence- based practice to ensure safe and coordinated patient-centred care. Opportunities from collaborations within secondary care included centre being recognized as specialists in the field of TCIM, conducting research, and bidirectional learning. CONCLUSIONS: The findings demonstrated that medical specialists acknowledged the need for a TCIM model of care that interfaces with the local secondary care landscape through the implementation of sound safeguards, credentialed practitioners, and evidence-based practice to adequately protect patients and clinicians. The findings will be amalgamated with the input from other stakeholder groups via a community-based participatory research framework to refine the model of care.

The relationship between health sciences students' perceptions of health news and their attitudes to using complementary and alternative medicine.

PURPOSE: Written-visual and social media play a significant role in accessing knowledge about health issues. Media coverage of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) can affect the beliefs, attitudes, behaviors and decisions to use of CAM the individuals. The research was planned as a descriptive, cross-sectional study was to evaluate the relationship between the health sciences students' perceptions of health news and their attitude towards using CAM. METHOD: The sample included 736 students studying in a Department of Nursing, Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, and Nutrition and Dietetics program in a Faculty of Health Sciences. A Students' Description Form, The Perception of Health News Scale (PHNS), and The Attitude towards Using Complementary Treatments Scale (ACTS) were used to collect the data in this study. RESULTS: The students' mean PHNS scores were found to be 81.05 ± 13.42, and their mean ACTS scores were 30.07 ± 6.56. There was a statistically significant difference between HS students' mean PHMS scores and usage of CAM and following of health news on the written-visual media (p < 0.05). There was a statistically significant difference between HS students' mean ACTS scores and their department of study, year of study, usage of CAM, education on CAM, usage of social media, following of health news on the written-visual media and following health news on social media (p < 0.05). A weak positive correlation was found between the students' PHNS scores and their ACTS scores (r = 0.189, p = 0.000). CONCLUSION: In the conclusion of our research, it was found that HS students' perception of health news may affect their attitudes towards using CAM.