Reasons for choosing and complying with complementary health care: an in-house study on a South Australian clinic.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to explore the reasons why clients initially consult a complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) practitioner, the reasons that influence clients to seek treatment, and the factors that influence clients to be compliant with their treatment.


METHODS
A combination of quantitative and qualitative methods were used. Quantitative data were obtained via a self-completion survey (n = 158). Qualitative information was derived from eight semistructured interviews.


METHODS
The study took place in a clinic in Norwood, South Australia. Participants were primarily residents of the eastern suburbs of Adelaide.


METHODS
The study involved a convenience sample of clients.


RESULTS
Survey and interview results demonstrated that clients access CAM practitioners not solely for improvement of physical symptoms, with 54% of clients indicating a desire for counseling for general health issues and 50% wanting dietary and nutritional treatment. Of the subjects 36% sought increased self-insight and benefit from a wider perspective of healing. In addition 55% of respondents indicated that quality of relationship between CAM and client has a major impact on compliance and continuity of treatment, which in turn affects the overall success of the treatment.


CONCLUSIONS
Clients in this clinic accessed complementary health care for a variety of reasons including gaining another perspective on their health. It suggests that CAM does not replace conventional medicine but may be used as an adjunct to conventional medicine.
D'Crus
Amanda
A
School of Biomedical Sciences, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, Australia., Norwood Homoeopathic Centre, Adelaide, Australia.
Wilkinson
Jenny M
JM
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002908:Chronic Disease / Q000628:therapy; D000529:Complementary Therapies / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D003657:Decision Making; D005260:Female; D015438:Health Behavior; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D017060:Patient Satisfaction / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D013021:South Australia / Q000453:epidemiology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires