(A008) Perspectives on Complementary and Alternative (CAM) Medicine in Otolaryngology

Introduction: Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) encompasses non-mainstream health practices patients are potentially utilizing for their ENT-related complaints. However, CAM knowledge, perception of its utility in practice, and discussions with patients remains understudied among otolaryngologists.

Methods: A survey instrument was developed and administered digitally to attending otolaryngologists. Practice data and survey responses to Likert scale questions were collected and subjected to Kruskal Wallis and Spearman’s Rho tests for sub-analysis by years in practice.

Results: 30 otolaryngologists responded and were primarily male (63.3%), >10 years in practice (46.7%), and at academic medical centers (56.7%). Most respondents discussed the possible benefits (83.3%) or harms (80.0%) of CAM therapy with less than 26% of their patients. Most respondents (56.7%) had previously recommended CAM therapies to patients and agreed or strongly agreed that their peers should know about common CAM therapies (83.3%) and that some CAM holds promise in treatment (60.0%). Respondents were split (neither agreed nor disagreed) on CAM therapy negatively impacting adherence to guideline therapy (43.3%) and being risky or potentially negative to their practice (46.7%). Having >10 years of practice experience was associated with decreased agreement with CAM’s promise in treatment (p < 0.001) and was also negatively correlated with history of CAM recommendations (Rho = -0.87, p< 0.001).

Conclusions: While most otolaryngologists recommend and value familiarity with CAM therapies, comprehensive discussions with patients remain limited, although these trends may differ by years in practice. Sentiment on impact of CAM on guideline therapy or their practice remains inconclusive and warrants further education and investigation.