Anthroposophische Medizin: Health Technology Assessment Bericht – Kurzfassung

Abstract

The aim of this Health Technology Assessment Report was to analyse the current situation, efficacy, effectiveness, safety, utilization, and costs of Anthroposophic Medicine (AM) with special emphasis on everyday practice. Design: Systematic review. Material and Methods: Search of 20 databases, reference lists and expert consultations. Criteriabased analysis was performed to assess methodological quality and external validity of the studies. Results: AM is a complementary medical system that extends conventional medicine and provides specific pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments. It covers all areas of medicine. 178 clinical trials on efficacy and effectiveness were identified: 17 RCTs, 21 prospective and 43 retrospective NRCTs, 50 prospective and 47 retrospective cohort studies/case-series without control groups. They investigated a wide range of AM-treatments in a variety of diseases, 90 × mistletoe in cancer. 170 trials had a positive result for AM. Methodological quality differed substantially; some studies showed major limitations, others were reasonably well conducted. Trials of better quality still showed a positive result. External validity was usually high. Side effects or other risks are rare. AMpatients are well educated, often female, aged 30-50 years, or children. The few economic investigations found less or equal costs in AM because of reduced hospital admissions and less prescriptions of medications. Conclusion: Trials of varying design and quality in a variety of diseases predominantly describe good clinical outcome for AM, little side effects, high satisfaction of patients and presumably slightly less costs. More research and more methodological expertise and infrastructure are desirable.

Implementation of an Integrative Oncological Concept in the Daily Care of a German Certified Breast Cancer Center

“…Anthroposophical medicine as an IM system is based on scientific standards and guidelines of conventional medicine but integrates a range of treatment options like naturopathy remedies and non-pharmacological interventions (NPIs), including mindfulness-orientated movement therapies (e.g., eurythmy therapy), mind-body procedures, art therapies, and nursing interventions [9,16,17,18,19,20]. The aim is to promote the physical and psychological salutogenic powers and resources of the patient, to improve the health-related quality of life (HRQL) and to support social and spiritual needs.…”

Medicinal Systems of Complementary and Alternative Medicine: A Cross-Sectional Survey at a Pediatric Emergency Department

“…16 The use of CAM in Switzerland, its efficacy, appropriateness, and cost-effectiveness have been evaluated within the frames of a federal program (Complementary Medicine Evaluation Program, PEK), which revealed that CAM was associated with a higher patient satisfaction, weaker=less frequent side-effects, and lower costs than conventional medicine (CM). 15,[17][18][19][20] The use of CAM by children in Switzerland has just started to be unveiled. A previous study performed at the intensive care unit of the Children's Hospital of Zurich revealed that 18% of the parents of critically ill pediatric patients applied some form of CAM.…”

Using Hospital Data and Routines to Estimate Costs and Effects of Integrative Care Programmes for Chronic Pain and Stress Disorders - a Feasibility Study

“…In light of the international increase in IC provision in general, and the recent juridical efforts to promote increased pluralism in Swedish health care in particular [9,10], it is crucial that such developments adhere to evidence-informed health care decision-making in order not to become more costly and less efficient for health care systems. Despite the prevalence of anthroposophic IC services, with approximately 30 hospitals and over 140 anthroposophic outpatient clinics in Europe and internationally [11], the clinical and cost effectiveness remain largely unexplored as there are only a few economic studies [12]. This situation has contributed to the sometimes negative criticism of anthroposophic IC services and its rationale including the lack of its evidence base [13].…”