Table 2 Results of the evaluation of CIM competencies of the peer-based survey

 …be able to explain common CIM (complementary medicine, integrative medicine, naturopathy) concepts. (q1)

131

1.74 (0.865)

2/1/2

84.7

 …be able to explain common CIM treatments including their respective theories, postulated modes of action, limitations. (q2)

131

1.81 (0.842)

2/1/2

83.2

 …know the available evidence of effectiveness, interactions, and safety concerning the most common CIM concepts or understand where to find this information. (q3)^a

131

1.84 (0.812)

2/1/2

78.6

 …be able to give advice concerning CIM therapies for the most frequent consultation issues in family medicine. (q4)

131

1.76 (0.802)

2/1/2

83.2

 …conduct a biopsychosocial health interview, including aspects of lifestyle and usage of CIM. (q5)

131

1.75 (0.788)

2/1/2

84.7

 …be able to jointly develop a treatment plan including conventional and complementary therapies with a patient and, if necessary, refer to appropriate facilities/therapists. (q6)^a

131

1.99 (0.907)

2/1/3

74.8

 …be able to inform patients critically about CIM treatments, which could potentially harm health and budget. (q7)

131

1.41 (0.579)

1/1/2

95.4

 …be able to use non-pharmacological treatments (e.g. home remedies) for frequent issues of consultation (e.g. pain, fever, uncomplicated infections, etc.) or guide their patients thereto. (q8)

131

1.21 (0.425)

1/1/1

99.2

 …be able to use common phytotherapeutics and supplements for frequent issues of consultation (e.g. pain, fever, uncomplicated infections, etc.). (q9)

131

1.45 (0.623)

1/1/2

94.7

 …be able to consult regarding different relaxation techniques (meditation, mind and body practices, mindfulness, tai chi, yoga, etc.). (q10)

131

1.88 (0.775)

2/1/2

81.7

 …be able to specifically apply placebo and self-efficacy effects as needed for the therapeutic process. (q11)

131

1.60 (0.698)

2/1/2

92.4

 …be able to use evidence-based sources of information concerning CIM. (q12)

131

1.69 (0.692)

2/1/2

88.5

 …be able to identify their individual learning needs concerning CIM. (q13)

131

1.89 (0.675)

2/1/2

84.0

 …show respect and sympathy for patients‘interpretations of health, disease and suffering, based on individual attitudes and therapy requests concerning CIM. (q14)

131

1.47 (0.636)

1/1/2

93.9

 …be open-minded and remain open to dialogue when it comes to another understanding of health and disease by medical and non-medical colleagues involved in a treatment. (q15)

131

1.54 (0.694)

1/1/2

90.1

 …be able to take suitable action for self-care as needed. (q16)

131

1.43 (0.621)

1/1/2

94.7

 …know conditions and general framework of medical educations and medical specialist training (e.g. additional training) concerning CIM treatments. (q17)^a

131

2.37 (0.705)

2/2/3

57.3

 …know conditions and general framework of different professional groups offering CIM treatments (e.g. natural practitioners/Heilpraktiker). (q18)

131

2.15 (0.815)

2/2/3

67.9^c

 …know conditions and general framework for the medical practice concerning common CIM treatments (e.g. availability, prescription, legal regulations). (q19)

131

1.90 (0.711)

2/1/2

82.4

 …consider conditions for patients’ access to complementary therapy care (e.g. remuneration and costs) during their treatment. (q20)^a

131

1.99 (0.775)

2/1/2

77.1