Abstract
The purpose of this study was to identify the extent to which Kampo medications are used and the diseases treated using them in community medicine in Gunma prefecture and to determine an appropriate level for future training in Kampo medications. A survey was administered in medical facilities providing community medicine in Gunma prefecture. The items surveyed were opportunities for prescribing Kampo, the form of medical treatment of prescriptions for Kampo, diseases for which medications were prescribed, frequently prescribed Kampo formulae, training received to date in Kampo, and the desire for future training in Kampo. The majority of responses regarding the frequency of Kampo use were “occasionally” to “often.” Kampo was prescribed for common diseases and for patients with diseases that were difficult to treat with other medicines. In addition, scientifically verified Kampo was also used. More than half of the participants expressed a desire for training in Kampo. It might become important to prepare a learning opportunity by which physicians can share and enhance the knowledge regarding usage and unique features of Kampo.
