The CUPCIG (CAM-Use in Primary Care in Germany) Study:Part I-Pain. Study Protocol of a Pilot-trial to Assess Feasibility, Acceptability and Perceived Effectiveness of CAM in Pain Disorders in Primary Care.
BACKGROUND
There is limited valid data available on CAM procedures for chronic joint and neuropathic pain in primary care in Germany. Indiviual CAM qualifications of the general practitioners (GPs) and the potential of cost reduction through CAM treatment are almost unknown. The aim of this pilot trial preceding the main study is to examine the survey mode, to estimate the response rate by GPs with or without an additional qualification for CAM, and to identify the status quo in therapeutic approaches for chronic pain disorders in primary care.


METHODS
This is a cross-sectional study with an ex post facto design among German GPs consisting of 2 parts: In a first step, a pilot trial precedes the main study targeting 200 GPs with and 200 GPs without additional qualification in CAM in a selected region.


RESULTS
The results of the CUPCIG study comprise the distribution of pain types treated in primary care practices, the GPs' attitude toward complementary pain therapy, pharmacological or CAM treatment, the estimate of cost reduction through CAM treatment of pain, the application of diverse CAM procedures, and biographical data.


CONCLUSIONS
The CUPCIG study serves to compile pain therapy approaches in primary care in Germany with respect to the individual CAM expertise of the GPs.
Institute of General Practice and Family Medicine, Faculty of Health, University of Witten/Herdecke, Witten, Germany.
Martin
M
Schencking
Andreas
A
Sönnichsen
Susanne
S
Bassüner
Marcus
M
Redaelli
D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D000529:Complementary Therapies / Q000191:economics / Q000592:standards / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies / Q000379:methods*; D005858:Germany; D006801:Humans; D059408:Pain Management / Q000191:economics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires