The use of CAM in a New Zealand-based general practice: a multiple case-study

To explore the factors which underpin the healthcare consumers' decision-making to use CAM in the primary setting.

An explorative, multiple case-study of seven convenience-sampled participants where in-depth, semi-structured interviews were employed.

The findings showed that participants would continue to utilise CAM, even where CAM had no scientific evidence. The participants believed that CAM should be integrated into mainstream healthcare service delivery.

There are few international studies that have reported on the utilisation and prevalence of CAM within the General Practice (GP) or clinic setting. The reasons why clients select specific CAM therapies, where they are offered in these settings, remain unclear. This study, however, casts further light on this matter.