What patients expect from complementary therapy: A qualitative study

J. Richardson

American Journal of Public Health, 2004, vol. 94, issue 6, 1049-1053

Abstract: Objectives. Complementary and alternative therapies have become popular with patients in Western countries. Studies have suggested motivations for patients' choosing a wide range of complementary therapies. Data on the expectations of patients who use complementary therapy are limited. We assessed the expectations of patients who use complementary therapy. Methods. Patients attending a British National Health Service (NHS) outpatient department that provided acupuncture, osteopathy, and homoeopathy were asked to complete a qualitative survey. Results. Patients expected symptom relief, information, a holistic approach, improved quality of life, self-help advice, and wide availability of such therapies on the NHS. Conclusions. Physicians' understanding of patients' expectations of complementary therapies will help patients make appropriate and realistic treatment choices.

Date: 2004
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:aph:ajpbhl:2004:94:6:1049-1053_3

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