Mind the gap: Disclosure of dietary supplement use to hospital and family physicians

Eran Ben-Arye, Samuel Attias, Ilana Levy, Lee Goldstein, Elad Schiff

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Objective We aim to compare patients’ perspectives on communication with their hospital physicians (HPs) and primary care physicians (PCPs) on patients' dietary and herbal supplements (DHS) use. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional prospective study among in-patients using structured questionnaires on DHS use. Multivariate logistic regression models assessed variables influencing doctor-related reasons for patients' nondisclosure of supplement use. Results Of 452 DHS users identified, 133 (29.4%) used herbs and 319 (70.6%) used non-herbal supplements. DHS users reported that PCPs were more aware of DHS consumption than HPs (70.1% vs. 34.1%, P < 0.0001). PCPs initiative to detect supplement use was higher compared with HPs (P < 0.0001). Doctor-related reasons for non-disclosure of DHS use were more prominent in a hospital setting. Multivariate logistic regression model suggested association between older patient age and doctor-related non-disclosure (p = 0.03). DHS use was recorded in only 33 patients medical files. Conclusions Doctor-patient communication concerning DHS use is significantly poorer during hospitalization compared with primary-care settings. A significant barrier for in-hospital disclosure is doctor-related. Practice implications Continuity of care between community and hospital physicians regarding patients' DHS use should be improved due to the safety implications of such use. Educating physicians on DHS and improving communication could bridge this gap.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)98-103
Number of pages6
JournalPatient Education and Counseling
Volume100
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - 1 Jan 2017

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2016 Elsevier Ireland Ltd

Keywords

  • Complementary medicine
  • Doctor-patient communication
  • Evidence-based medicine
  • Family medicine
  • Integrative medicine
  • Patient-centered care

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Medicine

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