Related Experiment Videos
The physician and unconventional medicine
D L Blumberg1, W D Grant, S R Hendricks
1Department of Psychiatry, State University of New York Health Science Center at Syracuse, USA.
Background:
Unconventional medical therapies, that is, health interventions not normally taught in medical school, consume more than $10 billion per year; yet, little is known of physician involvement with these therapies.
Method:
A national mailed survey of primary care internists with single board certification and of board-certified family physicians was undertaken to determine physician attitude and behavior toward unconventional therapies. The survey identified 16 unconventional therapies.
Results:
A total of 572 responses were analyzed. These indicated that more than half of these physicians would encourage patients who raise the possibility of unconventional therapy. A large proportion (57%) were willing to refer their patients for treatment for six or more unconventional therapies.
Conclusions:
This study indicates considerable physician interest and participation in unconventional medicine, suggesting a need for research and education to help them guide their patients.