[Therapeutic journeys to the South for patients with rheumatism--medical treatment alternative or alternative medicine?].

Therapeutic visits to a country with a warm climate can be an alternative to hospital treatment in Norway. We describe an evaluation based on analysis of data from three comprehensive questionnaires distributed to 130 patients. Response to treatment and duration of response were calculated from scores for patients' satisfaction and quality of life. The patients' scores were marked off on a scale ranging from 1 to 10. Patients filled in their answers and scores at the start of the visit, after four weeks in Turkey, and three months after returning to Norway. Most of the patients enjoyed better quality of life during the period in Turkey. After three months the effect was considerably reduced. Patients with pronounced symptoms immediately before departure to Turkey benefit more than patients with lighter symptoms. The response to treatment is statistically significant but hardly specific to rheumatic diseases. We could not demonstrate any significant relation between treatment response and age, sex, place of residence in Norway, level of income, education or duration of disease. The placebo effect of this treatment modality presents a problem of priorities. Should we offer travel abroad for treatment to other groups of chronically sick patients as well, or should we use the money for other health purposes?