The use of CAM in a New Zealand-based general practice: a multiple case-study.
OBJECTIVE
To explore the factors which underpin the healthcare consumers' decision-making to use CAM in the primary setting.


METHODS
An explorative, multiple case-study of seven convenience-sampled participants where in-depth, semi-structured interviews were employed.


RESULTS
The findings showed that participants would continue to utilise CAM, even where CAM had no scientific evidence. The participants believed that CAM should be integrated into mainstream healthcare service delivery.


CONCLUSIONS
There are few international studies that have reported on the utilisation and prevalence of CAM within the General Practice (GP) or clinic setting. The reasons why clients select specific CAM therapies, where they are offered in these settings, remain unclear. This study, however, casts further light on this matter.
Chan
Helen O L
HO
Massey University, College of Humanities and Social Sciences, School of Health Sciences, Albany Campus, Private Bag 102 904, North Shore Mail Centre, Auckland, New Zealand.
Whitehead
Dean
D
D000328:Adult; D000529:Complementary Therapies / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D003657:Decision Making; D005194:Family Practice; D005260:Female; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009520:New Zealand; D010465:Perception; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors