Abstract
The purpose of this quality improvement project was to increase the efficacy of communication between patients and providers regarding complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) medicine utilization in primary care. Patients turn to CAM to supplement gaps in their care without always knowing that these therapies can be contraindicated. Barriers in primary care associated with CAM include lack of knowledge, preconceived beliefs, and refusal to discussing CAM, can cause serious debilitating effects for rapport. Participants from a Midwest independent primary care center were providers who agreed to give their perception of CAM and patients from the participating providers. A baseline healthcare provider Likert survey was obtained to assess their viewpoint of CAM. A sample of patients from participating providers filled out their current uses of CAM via the I-CAM-Q. Education was given to the providers discussing CAM therapy and a summary of the patients' I-CAM-Q results. A follow-up provider Likert survey was obtained to determine any change in viewpoints on CAM therapy and the efficacy of assessing CAM therapy use by their patients via the I-CAM-Q tool. Then resources on CAM therapy were provided. Three primary care providers and thirteen patients participated. The patient I-CAM-Q data revealed that a majority had seen a provider for health care needs in the past year, with the majority being physicians. Patients responded that they saw various providers for manipulation, herbs, and spiritual healing. Many patients reported using supplements and utilizing CAM self-help practices. Pre and post provider survey data showed an increased inclination concerning how often a discussion regarding CAM occurred and how likely the provider would refer CAM to a patient. The providers' perception of the I-CAM-Q indicated some were unsure and others indicated it was somewhat effective. This project indicates a necessity for further CAM screening and education interventions in primary clinics.