Purpose: To develop and conduct a Continuing Medical Education (CME) training program for practitioners of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) who specialize in the treatment of cancer. Method: The Charlotte Maxwell Complementary Clinic (CMCC) is a licensed primary care clinic that has been providing Complementary Alternative Medicine (CAM) for low-income women with cancer since 1991. The training was designed to increase each practitioner's theoretical understanding of the principles of TCM relevant to treating cancer. Course content included herbal formularies, acupuncture points and other TCM treatments for cancer and for the side effects of chemotherapy and radiation. Additional emphasis was placed on evaluating oncology emergencies, herb/drug contraindications and current allopathic treatments. Case studies were presented and reviewed by class participants. Results: knowledge and level of confidence in addressing the complications of cancer were measured before and after the 3 month series to evaluate the impact of course content on practitioner's knowledge and confidence in addressing cancer with TCM. After the class there was an overall increase in knowledge for general practice issues and for dealing with difficult areas related to cancer. Although confidence increased as well, the change was modest by comparison with the increases in knowledge. Conclusion: Results indicate that establishing continuing education for TCM practitioners in a community-based setting is an effective way of providing professional development while extending care to underserved community members.
Learning Objectives: Learn more providing continuing professional development in a community setting. Better understand the training needs of TCM practitioners for dealing with cancer at the community level. Specifically, to better understand the treatment issues for low-income women with cancer.
Keywords: Alternative Medicine/Therapies, Cancer
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: The Charlotte Maxwell Complementary Clinic in Oakland, CA. The clinic serves low-income women with cancer.
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.