Positive Health Online

Abstract

SILVERSTEIN and SPIEGEL, of the Beth Israel Medical Center, New York, USA, conducted a survey to investigate physicians' knowledge about their patients' use, side effects, drug interactions and contraindications of commonly used herbs/dietary supplements .

Background

Methodology

The investigators randomly distributed a questionnaire to medical students and faculty of the State University of New York, Health Science Center at Brooklyn, posing three questions: 1) Do physicians ask their patients about their use of herbs/dietary supplements? 2) Do physicians use available resources to evaluate possible drug interactions and/or side-effects of the dietary supplements? and 3) Are physicians aware of the side effects, drug interactions and contraindications of 10 commonly used herbs ?

Results

The questionnaire response rate was 85% (165/193). Many physicians asked patients about their use of alternative medicines. Most failed to check these remedies in a reference text. Younger and less-highly trained doctors were significantly more likely to 1) prescribe alternative medicines; 2) check side effects and drug interactions of over-the-counter and prescription medicines in a reference text; 3) ask patients specifically about alternative medicines ; 4) check side effects and drug interactions of alternative medicines in a reference text. When asked to match 10 herbs and side effects, physicians scored up to 6 out of 10 correct; the average number correct was 1.32 ± 1.39 (mean ± SD).

Conclusion

Many physicians are aware of different forms of alternative medicines, but most do not treat herbs in the same manner as other types of medicines . Patient care would be greatly improved in physicians were better educated about alternative medicines and familiarized themselves with their patients' beliefs and healthcare behaviour .

References

Silverstein DD, Spiegel AD. Are physicians aware of the risks of alternative medicine? Journal of Community Health 26 (3): 159-74.