Related Experiment Videos
[Complementary medicine and patient contentedness - a survey]
1Ambulanz für Naturheilkunde, Abteilung für Gynäkologische Endokrinologie und Fertilitätsstörungen, Universitäts-Frauenklinik Heidelberg.
Summary
Complementary medicine in Germany significantly enhances patient satisfaction and lifestyle attitudes, even when treatment outcomes are not perceived as successful. Further research is needed to confirm long-term health benefits.
Area of Science:
- Integrative Medicine
- Patient-Reported Outcomes
- Health Behaviors
Context:
- Growing use of complementary therapies alongside conventional medicine in Germany.
- Need to understand patient perspectives on these integrated treatments.
Purpose:
- To assess patient attitudes and satisfaction with complementary medicine.
- To explore changes in health behavior and lifestyle among users.
Summary:
- A survey of 1,582 female patients revealed high satisfaction (80%) with complementary treatments, irrespective of perceived success.
- Over 50% reported positive changes in health behavior and lifestyle attitudes.
- Many patients would pay out-of-pocket, but some used therapies without physician knowledge.
Impact:
- Complementary medicine approaches appear effective in fostering patient satisfaction.
- Highlights the need for further investigation into the long-term health effects of complementary interventions.