Complementary and Alternative Medicine Education for Primary Care Providers Caring for Military Personnel and Veterans

This project focused on providing education about complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) treatments to primary care providers caring for military personnel and veterans. Education on CAM therapies that is provided to primary care providers is often inadequate during formal training and subsequent practice training. This can lead to inappropriate prescribing and under-utilization of these methods. The problem of inadequate CAM education is of particular concern in military populations, where CAM usage is higher than in civilian populations. The aim of this project was to increase provider knowledge of CAM therapies and practice resources in order to more fully integrate CAM therapy into practice. Around 38 percent of American adults use some form of alternative or complementary medicine to promote health and this number grows each year. Most do not consult their providers before implementing a therapy. Military personnel are 2.5 to seven times more likely to utilize massage, relaxation, and other techniques than civilians. Research has demonstrated a large gap between providers and complementary medicine education during formal training and self-reported feelings of inadequacy in prescribing such methods. Adequate CAM education for providers leads to safer prescribing practices and better patient outcomes. The objectives of the project were: 1) Increase knowledge of CAM therapies among primary care providers in the military setting through the use of education, 2) Connect primary care providers in the military setting with resources that will assist them in efforts to more fully integrate CAM therapy in patient treatment plans, and 3) Disseminate findings of research to key stakeholders) through a poster presentation and conference abstract submission. As part of this project, basic CAM therapy education was given to providers within a VA clinic via email. Education consisted of a PowerPoint presentation and written handout. The written handout also contained reliable resources on CAM therapy for providers to utilize in future practice. Delays in obtaining IRB approval prevented researchers from measuring provider use of CAM therapies pre- and post- teaching. Study results were submitted to stakeholders and presented during a poster presentation. Results were also submitted to a nurse practitioner conference. In summary, a large percentage of military personnel and veterans use some form of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) for treatment of their diseases. Despite the high prevalence, many do not report usage to their primary care providers. Research has demonstrated a large gap between provider knowledge and adequate CAM training. This project focused on providing education about these therapies to primary care providers caring for veterans and active duty military personnel. Result findings were disseminated during a poster presentation and conference submission.