Journal des soins pharmaceutiques et des systèmes de santé
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Attitudes of Alberta Pharmacists Pertaining to Traditional Chinese Medicine Practice and Complementary Alternative Medicine

Kathie Tam and Hoan Linh Banh

Objective: To evaluate the perceived attitudes toward the use of Complementary Alternative Medicine (CAM) and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) by pharmacists in Alberta Methods: An online survey was created using Google Documents®. The URL link was distributed to all registered pharmacists through Alberta College of Pharmacists monthly electronic newsletter “The Link”. Results: A total of 217 (5%) pharmacists completed the survey. Over half (54%) of pharmacists either approve or strongly approve, 20% either strongly disapproved or disapprove with the use of CAM and TCM. Sixty-four percent of pharmacists felt that they were not prepared to counsel patients regarding CAM and TCM, while 88% of pharmacists agree that TCM and CAM should be integrated in the pharmacy curriculum at the University of Alberta. Conclusions: Pharmacists felt they are not prepared to counsel patients regarding CAM and TCM. While most pharmacists have a positive attitude towards the use of CAM and TCM, it has also been identified that CAM and TCM courses should be included in the curriculum to better prepare future pharmacists.