Abstract
Background. The increased use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) by patients with cancer is a significant phenomenon in cancer care and suggests the need for increased knowledge by clinicians of these therapies. Methods. Aiming at bridging the gap in knowledge of the philosophy and practice of major CAM modalities in cancer care, an elective course was offered to physicians and nurses in a large academic center. Results. The course also aimed at providing the tools necessary to establish open and trusting clinician-patient dialogue regarding CAM. Conclusions. Exposure to the course was successful in improving knowledge and attitudes. J Cancer Educ. 2008; 23:46–50.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The authors thank Mr Ilan Katz and Mr Peled Zahor for their support and contribution to the teaching process; Ms Yael Bruno for editing the text; Ms Idit Lavi for statistical workup; and Mrs. Myrna Perlmutter for help in the preparation of this article.