Table 3 Competency-based catalogue on complementary and integrative Medicine for GP trainees (English Version)

Medical knowledge

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

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

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

Patient care and communication

 4. …conduct a biopsychosocial health interview, including aspects of lifestyle and usage of CIM.

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

 6. …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.

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

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

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

Practice-based learning

 10. …be able to use evidence-based sources of information concerning CIM.

 11. …be able to identify their individual learning needs concerning CIM.

Professionalism

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

 13. …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.

 14. …be able to take suitable action for self-care as needed.

Competencies based on the German healthcare system

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

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