Patterns of use and attitudes of complementary medicine consumers in Switzerland

Kristof, O.; Schlumpf, M; Wyss, B.; Saller, Reinhard

doi:10.1016/s0965-2299(98)80053-8

Cited by 4 publications

(5 citation statements)

References 5 publications

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“…Citizens' personal experience seems to influence initial and repeated use of CAM, as shown by studies from the UK [5,21,54,74,75,79,96], Ireland [69], Switzerland [14,43,97], Turkey [39], Israel [67], Germany [87,91,93], France [80], Norway [12] and Austria [98]. The trend of attitudes to CAM being shaped by personal CAM experience is also observed for biomedical professionals and students of biomedical professions [83,[99][100][101][102][103][104][105].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…In Germany and Switzerland, where CAM is often provided by GPs, close to 70% of primary care patients would like to be treated more frequently with CAM, especially by their GP [13,14]. From the perspective of Italian physicians, patients express a high preference for CAM [15].…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Citizens in these countries appear to draw considerably less frequently on biomedical professionals for information about CAM. Qualitative studies confirm the importance of social networks [24,25,46,[74][75][76][77][78][79][80] and point to specific groups within social networks in directing individuals towards CAM: female family members of male cancer patients [74, treatments (or parts thereof) are reimbursed through health insurance schemes, variable reimbursement is shown to have implications for citizens' treatment choices as they predominantly choose reimbursable CAM therapies [14,27]. This indicates that many citizens in Europe pay for their CAM treatments of choice, leading to differential access by diverse groups of citizens [29,30].…”

Section: Citizens' Information Sources About Cammentioning

confidence: 99%

“…general practitioners, hospital clinicians, nurses, midwifes and physiotherapists) to CAM also seem to form a barrier. Findings from the UK [16,17,[34][35][36], Israel [9] and Switzerland [14] indicate citizens' wish for more support and knowledge about CAM from biomedical professionals. Biomedical professionals' lack of knowledge and support for citizens' interest in, and use of, CAM, as perceived by the citizens [37], may lead to non-disclosure of CAM in biomedical encounters, and constitute a significant barrier to accessing information about CAM or referrals to CAM provision via biomedical professionals.…”

Section: Citizens' Information Sources About Cammentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Some studies show how citizens look for CAM endorsement and legitimacy conferred through biomedicine, such as receiving information about CAM from biomedical professionals [75,84], favouring CAM provided through public health services [21,34,75] or by GPs [13,14], or wishing for a GP referral to CAM providers [9]. Provider registration with professional CAM organisations increases UK citizens' trust in CAM provision [6,16], a trend that has gained importance over time [6].…”

Section: Citizens' Information Sources About Cammentioning

confidence: 99%

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What Attitudes and Needs Do Citizens in Europe Have in Relation to Complementary and Alternative Medicine?

et al. 2012

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Background: Surveys from several European countries suggest a European-wide increase in the use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM). To safeguard citizens’ rights concerning their healthcare, it is critical to gain an overview of citizens’ attitudes and to understand their expectations and needs regarding CAM. Methods: A review of literature was undertaken, based on systematic searches of the following electronic databases: PubMed, Web of Science, CINHAL, AMED, PsycINFO and PsycArticles; 189 articles met inclusion criteria. Articles were analysed thematically and their reporting quality assessed. Results: Despite the limited availability of research-based knowledge about citizens’ attitudes and needs concerning CAM in many European countries, some trends can be noted. Many citizens hold positive attitudes to CAM and wish for increasing access to CAM provision. Citizens call for impartial, reliable and trustworthy information to support informed decision-making, and some citizens wish for greater support and involvement of biomedical healthcare professionals in facilitating their healthcare choices. While citizens value distinct aspects of CAM practice, they are also critical consumers and support clear regulatory and educational frameworks to ensure the quality and safety of CAM provision and medicinal products. Conclusion: To gain knowledge on citizens’ needs and attitudes to CAM across Europe further research is required on 3 main issues: i) how citizens across Europe obtain information about CAM and the needs they may have for trustworthy information sources, ii) the local situations for accessing CAM and iii) citizens’ perspectives on the quality of care and safety of CAM provision and products.

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