The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #73604

J Michael Menke, MA, DC¹, Laurie Soloff, ND, MPH², and Robert B Lutz, MD¹. (1) Program in Integrative Medicine, University of Arizona, PO Box 245153, Tucson, AZ 85724, (650) 324-3207, Jmmenke@aol.com, (2) Program in Integrative Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, PO Box 245153, Tucson, AZ 85724-5153

Since 1997 the University of Arizona Program in Integrative Medicine has pioneered the training of conventional physicians in complementary and alternative (CAM) therapies. In 2000, an Internet-based program was implemented for practicing physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician’s assistants to learn about integrative evidence-based CAM therapies. Chiropractic is taught as “discuss and refer.” That is, the course teaches “about” chiropractic, and is not designed to teach physicians to deliver chiropractic services. The course consists of three parts: history, technique, and evidence. All point to chiropractic’s integrative potential. It is designed with a “threaded dialogue” on-line that encourages discussion, but allows participation at times convenient for busy physicians. Chiropractic is one of three Manual Medicine (MM) learning modules, with massage and osteopathy. Competencies are not required nor measured. A pre- and post-module assessment instrument measures change in knowledge of, and attitudes towards chiropractic. Pre- and post-module data for the three MM modules is comparable in content and can be analyzed for differential changes in attitudes between the three modules. Attitudes measured include openness to referral to chiropractors, and other attitudes towards chiropractors. The course has been delivered three times as of May 2003, with about 120 students in all the classes who could take the course. Participation in the chiropractic module appears to be somewhat less than the full cohort. Preliminary results suggest positive attitudes towards chiropractors are attributable to meeting a chiropractor face-to-face, rather than the didactic process. Quantitative results have yet to be analyzed formally.

Learning Objectives:

Learning objectives:
• Identify areas of compatibility and complementarity between chiropractic and conventional medicine: clinical, financial and qualitative review.
• Identify changes in knowledge and attitude resulting from participation in an Internet -based chiropractic course by allopathic practitioners ( MD, NP, PA).
• Report quantitative results of behavior change resulting from participation in an Internet -based chiropractic course by allopathic practitioners, in terms of current and anticipated future referral and utilization of chiropractic.

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.