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Authors:Hentschel C. Kohnen R. Hauser G. Lindner M. Hahn EG. Ernst E. Institution:Blankenstein Hospital, Im Vogelsang 5-11,D-45527 Hattingen; Germany. Title:
Complementary medicine today: Patient decision for physician or magician? - A comparative study of patients deciding in favour of alternative therapies (1996-3231). Source:European Journal of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. Vol 6(5) (pp44-150), 1996. Abstract:Complementary medicine (CM) is employed in all industrialized countries to varying extents. At present, data on the effectiveness, safety, and costs of such treatments are incomplete. At the same time, we know very little about the characteristics and motivations of patients seeking aid in CM. The aim of the present study was to establish differences between patients who use CM and those who prefer mainstream medical treatments. Standardized interview by questionnaire (168 items) with 419 patients divided into 2 groups (patients using CM/patients not using CM) in the offices of general practitioners and internists qualified or not qualified to offer CM therapies (additional qualification: practitioner of natural medicine). The statistical comparison of the 2 groups was effected by Student's t test, Wilcoxon U test, and Chi square test, and significance levels were defined. CM users differ considerably from patients not using CM. This applies not only to sociodemographic and illness-related data, but also to psychological makeup and lifestyle. Differences have also been found between the 2 groups in terms of doctor-patient relationship. Research in this area needs to be intensified in view of the large number of CM users, the lack of proof of efficacy, and the insufficient knowledge of the risks and costs entailed in CM therapies.
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