Einstellung von ärzten gegenüber Komplementärmedizin in einer ländlichen Region der Schweiz: Ergebnisse einer Umfrage

Abstract

Physicians' Attitude towards Complementary Medicine in a Rural Region of Switzerland: Results of a Survey Background: Physicians' attitude towards complementary medicine (CM) was investigated in relation to the introduction of CM outpatient care at the regional hospital of Burgdorf (Switzerland). Furthermore, the proportion of physicians offering CM, their experiences with CM, and if these influenced their attitude towards CM were examined. Material and Methods: Practitioners with any specialist title (n = 170) in the service area of the hospital were surveyed in 2011 and 2012 (response rate 45% and 36%, respectively). They indicated their attitude (endorsement and ambivalence) towards CM, their own CM offer, and their experiences with CM. Results: On average, the attitude towards CM was neutral (M = 2.47, standard deviation (SD) = 0.61; endorsement of CM ranging from 1 = 'totally agree' to 4 = 'totally disagree') and clear (M = 1.59, SD = 0.46; ambivalence ranging from 1 = 'I have a clear opinion' to 4 = 'I am very uncertain about my opinion'). Claims for scientific investigation of CM (M = 2.10, SD = 0.95) and for the supply of qualified medical CM by the mandatory basic health insurance (M = 2.53, SD = 1.15) received the highest agreement. Around one third of the participants indicated to offer CM themselves, and 77% and 69%, respectively, referred patients to CM treatments. The most important predictors of CM support were qualification in CM and unexpected positive and negative experiences in a CM-treatment, respectively (R2 2011 = 0.44, p < 0.001). 25% of the participants had had experiences with the new service, judged mainly as positive. Conclusion: The participating physicians had a neutral and clear attitude towards CM, mirrored in own CM offer and referrals to CM treatments.