Why I Don't Tell My Doctor: Assessing Patient-Provider communication on CAM use among a Latino population

Research on medical pluralism confirms that minority groups are likely to use the Biomedical system and the Complimentary/Alternative Medical (CAM) systems simultaneously. This report focuses on patient provider communication regarding herbal use among a first- generation Mexican immigrant patient population that practices medical pluralism in San Bernardino, California. Three focus groups and 201 Spanish language surveys were administered to assess herbal use patterns and patient-provider communication regarding herbal use among Latino patients. Findings reveal that 77% of patients using herbal products did not disclose their CAM use to their physician. When asked why patients did not disclose herbal use, a majority of patients responded that providers rarely asked about CAM use. According to the literature, common reasons that providers give for not inquiring about CAM use among minority patients include cultural/linguistic barriers, lack of CAM knowledge, and lack of confidence in knowing how to respond. Findings emphasize the need for providers to improve their knowledge, attitudes, and communication with CAM/herbal users. More cultural competency training and experience are needed to improve physician confidence and communication that will lead to more disclosure of CAM use among patients. Authors used these findings to implement an NIH sponsored “Ask & Tell” program at select community clinics. While CAM remains a controversial topic in the medical community, understanding health beliefs and practices of Latino patients is important for healthcare providers who wish to deliver optimal healthcare.