Volume 29, Issue 5 (Iran South Med J 2026)
Iran South Med J 2026, 29(5): 352-362 |
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Taghavi Shirazi M, Madani F R, Badiee N, Mahroozade S. Healthcare Staff's Knowledge and Attitudes toward Persian and Complementary Medi-cine: A Policy Brief. Iran South Med J 2026; 29 (5) :352-362
URL: http://ismj.bpums.ac.ir/article-1-2676-en.html
URL: http://ismj.bpums.ac.ir/article-1-2676-en.html
1- Institute for Studies in Medical History, Persian and Complementary Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Department of Traditional Medicine, School of Traditional Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran ,Taghavish.m@iums.ac.ir
2- Student and Cultural Affairs Office, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
3- Department of Health Management, Economic and Policy, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sci-ences, Tehran, Iran
4- Institute for Studies in Medical History, Persian and Complementary Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Department of Traditional Medicine, School of Traditional Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Department of Traditional Medicine, School of Traditional Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran ,
2- Student and Cultural Affairs Office, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
3- Department of Health Management, Economic and Policy, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sci-ences, Tehran, Iran
4- Institute for Studies in Medical History, Persian and Complementary Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Department of Traditional Medicine, School of Traditional Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Abstract: (25 Views)
Background: The World Health Organization (WHO) has consistently advocated for the integration of traditional and complementary medicine into health systems. In Iran, Persian Medicine (PM), with its rich historical background and cultural significance, has been prioritized in national health policies to enhance the quality of health services. Healthcare workers serve as key providers and communicators of health information; however, gaps in their knowledge and attitudes toward PM may hinder the effective integration of PM into routine practice.
Materials and Methods: This study employed a cross-sectional design conducted in 2024 involving 432 healthcare professionals. Validated questionnaires were used to assess participants' knowledge, attitudes, and use of PM and complementary approaches. Data were collected online and analyzed statistically to generate policy-relevant insights.
Results: Overall knowledge regarding PM was low, and attitudes ranged from moderate to weak. A substantial proportion of staff reported limited familiarity with core PM principles. The majority expressed willingness to participate in short-term training courses, indicating a genuine need for structured and formal education.
Conclusion: Gaps in healthcare workers' knowledge and attitudes toward Persian Medicine, along with a considerable reliance on informal information sources, may limit the healthcare workers’ capacity to support the effective and safe integration of PM into Iran's health system. Conversly, the high willingness of healthcare workers to receive training provides an important opportunity to strengthen workforce preparedness and facilitate integration.
Policy Recommendation: Prioritizing standardized, targeted, and evidence-based training for healthcare workers, combined with access to official, reliable resources, is essential. Subsequently, defining roles and referral pathways, developing clinical guidelines and establishing monitoring systems can support the safe and sustainable integration of PM into the health system.
Materials and Methods: This study employed a cross-sectional design conducted in 2024 involving 432 healthcare professionals. Validated questionnaires were used to assess participants' knowledge, attitudes, and use of PM and complementary approaches. Data were collected online and analyzed statistically to generate policy-relevant insights.
Results: Overall knowledge regarding PM was low, and attitudes ranged from moderate to weak. A substantial proportion of staff reported limited familiarity with core PM principles. The majority expressed willingness to participate in short-term training courses, indicating a genuine need for structured and formal education.
Conclusion: Gaps in healthcare workers' knowledge and attitudes toward Persian Medicine, along with a considerable reliance on informal information sources, may limit the healthcare workers’ capacity to support the effective and safe integration of PM into Iran's health system. Conversly, the high willingness of healthcare workers to receive training provides an important opportunity to strengthen workforce preparedness and facilitate integration.
Policy Recommendation: Prioritizing standardized, targeted, and evidence-based training for healthcare workers, combined with access to official, reliable resources, is essential. Subsequently, defining roles and referral pathways, developing clinical guidelines and establishing monitoring systems can support the safe and sustainable integration of PM into the health system.
Original: Policy Brief |
Subject:
Policy Summary
Received: 2026/01/4 | Accepted: 2026/09/12 | Published: 2026/10/21
Received: 2026/01/4 | Accepted: 2026/09/12 | Published: 2026/10/21
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