Attitudes towards integrative medicine among healthcare professionals in the Netherlands

Abstract

BackgroundDespite the growing interest for integrative medicine (IM), no data are available about the attitudes of healthcare professionals towards IM. ObjectivesTo assess the attitudes of healthcare professionals towards IM. MethodsA convenience, volunteer sample was surveyed using a digital 47-item questionnaire on the key components of IM: 1. The doctor–patient relationship; 2. Patients’ responsibility in own healing; 3. Use of CAM therapies; 4. Healing environment. ResultsOf the 162 respondents, the majority were part of medical staff (51%), worked in a hospital (39%), in psychiatry/psychology (28%) and were women (54%). Most respondents (98%) believed that IM components: Doctor–patient relationship and patients’ responsibility for own healing process, were of high importance for healthcare. The other IM components, CAM use and healing environment, were found to be of importance by a lower percentage of responders (64% and 70%, respectively). 88% respondents regarded IM an important innovation in healthcare, despite the fact that 63% of them were not familiar with IM. The majority believed that patients should be informed about all possible treatments (94%), including CAM (84%). Of the CAM therapies listed, most considered lifestyle (90%) and mind-body therapies (54%) to be complementary to conventional treatment. Chi-square analysis demonstrated that familiarity with IM and being a female (among others) were predisposing factors for a positive attitude towards IM. ConclusionsThis survey among a convenient sample of Dutch healthcare professionals showed a relatively positive attitude towards IM. The outcome of this study may be useful to further implementation of IM in healthcare.