Lea Hoffmeister, Jutta Huebner, Christian Keinki, Karsten Muenstedt
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
In Germany, non-medical practitioners (NMPs; in German: Heilpraktiker) offer a broad range of complementary and alternative (CAM) methods. Our aim was to characterize schools for NMPs in Germany in terms of basic (medical) training and advanced education. We found 165 schools for NMPs in a systematic web-based search. As the medical board examination NMPs must take before building a practice exclusively tests their knowledge in conventional medicine, schools hardly include training in CAM methods. Only few schools offered education on CAM methods in their NMP training. Although NMP associations framed requirements for NMP education, 83.0% (137/165) of schools did not meet these requirements. Patients and physicians should be aware of the lack of training and consequent risks, such as harm to the body, delay of necessary treatment, and interaction with conventional drugs. Disestablishing the profession of NMPs might be a reasonable step.
期刊介绍:
''From the microscope to clinical application!'', Scientists from all European countries make available their recent research results and practical experience through Wiener Medizinische Wochenschrift, the renowned English- and German-language forum. Both original articles and reviews on a broad spectrum of clinical and preclinical medicine are presented within the successful framework of thematic issues compiled by guest editors. Selected cutting-edge topics, such as dementia, geriatric oncology, Helicobacter pylori and phytomedicine make the journal a mandatory source of information.