Janet Richardson1. 1. School of Integrated Health, University of Westminster, 115 New Cavendish St, London W1W 6UW, England, UK. j.richardson01@westminster.ac.uk
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: Complementary and alternative therapies have become popular with patients in Western countries. Studies have suggested motivations for patients' choosing a wide range of complementary therapies. Data on the expectations of patients who use complementary therapy are limited. We assessed the expectations of patients who use complementary therapy. METHODS: Patients attending a British National Health Service (NHS) outpatient department that provided acupuncture, osteopathy, and homoeopathy were asked to complete a qualitative survey. RESULTS: Patients expected symptom relief, information, a holistic approach, improved quality of life, self-help advice, and wide availability of such therapies on the NHS. CONCLUSIONS: Physicians' understanding of patients' expectations of complementary therapies will help patients make appropriate and realistic treatment choices.
OBJECTIVES: Complementary and alternative therapies have become popular with patients in Western countries. Studies have suggested motivations for patients' choosing a wide range of complementary therapies. Data on the expectations of patients who use complementary therapy are limited. We assessed the expectations of patients who use complementary therapy. METHODS:Patients attending a British National Health Service (NHS) outpatient department that provided acupuncture, osteopathy, and homoeopathy were asked to complete a qualitative survey. RESULTS:Patients expected symptom relief, information, a holistic approach, improved quality of life, self-help advice, and wide availability of such therapies on the NHS. CONCLUSIONS: Physicians' understanding of patients' expectations of complementary therapies will help patients make appropriate and realistic treatment choices.
Authors: Kathryn P Altizer; Ha T Nguyen; Rebecca H Neiberg; Sara A Quandt; Joseph G Grzywacz; Wei Lang; Ronny A Bell; Thomas A Arcury Journal: J Appl Gerontol Date: 2012-08-01
Authors: Caroline Eyles; Geraldine M Leydon; George T Lewith; Sarah Brien Journal: Evid Based Complement Alternat Med Date: 2010-09-30 Impact factor: 2.629