The physician and unconventional medicine.
BACKGROUND
Unconventional medical therapies, that is, health interventions not normally taught in medical school, consume more than $10 billion per year; yet, little is known of physician involvement with these therapies.


METHODS
A national mailed survey of primary care internists with single board certification and of board-certified family physicians was undertaken to determine physician attitude and behavior toward unconventional therapies. The survey identified 16 unconventional therapies.


RESULTS
A total of 572 responses were analyzed. These indicated that more than half of these physicians would encourage patients who raise the possibility of unconventional therapy. A large proportion (57%) were willing to refer their patients for treatment for six or more unconventional therapies.


CONCLUSIONS
This study indicates considerable physician interest and participation in unconventional medicine, suggesting a need for research and education to help them guide their patients.
Blumberg
D L
DL
Department of Psychiatry, State University of New York Health Science Center at Syracuse, USA.
Grant
W D
WD
Hendricks
S R
SR
Kamps
C A
CA
Dewan
M J
MJ
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000529:Complementary Therapies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010819:Physician's Role; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires