Focus on Alternative and Complementary Therapies
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Focus Alternat Complement Ther©2005 Pharmaceutical Press
Focus Altern Complement Ther 2003; 8: 494
The interest in complementary and alternative therapies (CAM) has increased dramatically over the last decade. It is estimated that at least 25–50% of European populations have used these treatments. Reports from North America indicate that there is enthusiasm from primary care practitioners and OBGYN physicians for CAM but there is little or no data from the NHS.
An anonymous questionnaire regarding professional and personal use of CAM was given to doctors and mid-wives in two London teaching hospitals to complete and the data analysed using SPSS.
Thirty doctors and 41 midwives completed the questionnaire. There was no difference between doctors and midwives recommendation of CAM to patients; half admitted recommending alternatives. The majority felt it was reasonable to advocate these treatments (83% doctors and 75% midwives) but 51% midwives and 60% doctors felt there was an insufficient evidence-base. Half of all health professionals would refer patients to alternative therapists. Eleven (37%) doctors asked about CAM use during routine history taking but 19 (63%) rarely or never asked. However, there were significant differences in the personal use of complementary therapies: 58% of midwives used CAM compared with 40% doctors (P = 0.002). Half of the doctors surveyed had never used any alternative remedies although 46% suggested they might in the future.
There is significant interest among midwives and doctors in CAM, which may reflect that of the general population. This should encourage further qualitative and quantitative work regarding prescribing habits and complementary interventions.
