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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.
Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine
|July 1, 1995
Summary
Physicians show significant interest in unconventional medical therapies, with over half willing to encourage or refer patients. This highlights a need for more research and education in this area.
Area of Science:
- Integrative Medicine
- Healthcare Research
Background:
- Unconventional medical therapies represent a significant healthcare expenditure exceeding $10 billion annually.
- Physician engagement with these therapies remains largely unknown.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess primary care physician attitudes and behaviors towards unconventional therapies.
- To understand the extent of physician involvement in 16 identified unconventional therapies.
Main Methods:
- A national mailed survey was distributed to board-certified internists and family physicians.
- Data from 572 physician responses were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Over 50% of surveyed physicians indicated they would encourage patients considering unconventional therapy.
- A substantial majority (57%) were prepared to refer patients for at least six different unconventional therapies.
Conclusions:
- Physician interest and participation in unconventional medicine are considerable.
- There is a clear need for further research and educational initiatives to support physicians in guiding patients regarding these therapies.