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Consumers' experiences and values in conventional and alternative medicine paradigms: a problem detection study (PDS)
Lynne Emmerton1, Jasmina Fejzic, Susan E Tett
1The University of Queensland, School of Pharmacy, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia.
BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine
|April 12, 2012
Summary
Consumers using complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) feel empowered and have positive relationships with CAM practitioners. However, improved communication and information sharing are needed between CAM and conventional medicine providers for better healthcare concordance.
Area of Science:
- Healthcare consumer behavior
- Integrative medicine
- Patient-practitioner relationships
Background:
- Explores consumer perceptions of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM).
- Investigates relationships between CAM and conventional medicine practitioners.
- Utilizes a problem detection study (PDS) methodology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To understand consumer views on CAM and its integration with conventional healthcare.
- To identify communication gaps and areas of discomfort between CAM and conventional providers.
- To inform strategies for improving healthcare concordance.
Main Methods:
- Qualitative focus group to develop a questionnaire.
- Quantitative PDS with 36 Likert scale statements.
- Survey distributed to 300 consumers in Brisbane, Australia (83 responses).
Main Results:
- Consumers reported feeling empowered by CAM and having positive relationships with CAM practitioners.
- CAM perceived as effective for long-term therapy; conventional medicine preferred for emergencies.
- Majority reported discomfort from doctors regarding CAM use and desired better communication.
Conclusions:
- Open communication between consumers and all healthcare providers is crucial.
- Discomfort and distrust exist between CAM and conventional medicine paradigms, requiring resolution.
- Further research should focus on optimizing information sharing across healthcare fields.
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