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

Abstract

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.

Prevalence of Complementary and Alternative Medicine Use in the General Population in the Czech Republic

“…Body-based therapies thus seem to remain less accessible to low-income groups. That may be the reason why the Czech population would welcome reimbursement for manual therapies [13]. Cost as a barrier to CAM was also stated in other European studies on CAM use [14].…”

Understanding Consumer Evaluations of Personalised Nutrition Services in Terms of the Privacy Calculus: A Qualitative Study

“…Hence, perceiving the service provider as being able, having integrity, and being benevolent might have mitigated privacy risk perception and amplified personalisation benefit perception. The preference for scientifically trained experts related to a tangible service may also be explained by the fact that when it comes to health, western consumers are accustomed to face-to-face communication [53] with qualified professionals trained in conventional medicine [54]. Often, consumers tend to choose services to which they are accustomed because such services strengthen their trust in the fact that service provision will proceed as expected [55].…”

Complementary Medicines among Egyptian Oncology Patients at a Tertiary Level of Care: Pattern and Motives

“…(CM) is a part of the traditional medicine, commonly used and reflects the sum of knowledge, skills and practices built on experiences, beliefs and theories of different cultures. This practice is widely used worldwide; 80% in the African population and 42% among the Americans had used it at least once [2]. It was reported as well in many countries including the developing countries, Mediterranean region and Islamic societies; In Palestine, the use of at least one type of (CM) was 73%; In Lebanon, a survey documented the use of (CM) in about 30% of adults [3]; In Egypt it was found that 77.5% of adults reported the use of CM [4].…”