Complementary and alternative medicine services in Swiss primary care practices

Abstract

Background This study examines the complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) treatments currently offered in primary care practices in Switzerland, including the distribution of CAM qualification certificates (TCM/acupuncture, homoeopathy, neural therapy, and anthroposophic medicine); certificates in phytotherapy among private physicians; patient demand for CAM; services offered and time required; and referrals for CAM treatments. Materials and methods Written survey of 750 physicians (500 German-speaking; 250 French-speaking) in primary care practices (FMH Praktische Arzte, FMH Innere Medizin, FMH Allgemeinmedizin, and FMH Padiatrie). Response rate: 50.4%. Results In total, 14.1% of the 750 respondents had certificates of qualification in one of the abovementioned CAM disciplines. In 2007, most certificates were in the area of TCM/acupuncture, followed by homoeopathy. Patient demand for CAM: Approximately 50% of patients asked about CAM treatment less than once a week; 20% of patients asked about CAM once a week; and 30% of patients asked about CAM more than once a week. Services offered and referrals: 30.4% of the respondents offered CAM treatment. Homoeopathy and phytotherapy were the most frequently offered services, followed by TCM/acupuncture. CAM services were offered by the respondents either in addition to standard services (i.e. more than 50% of respondents who offered CAM services spent less than 25% of their time doing so) or as their predominant services (i.e. occupying more than 75% of their time). Altogether, 62.5% of the respondents referred patients for CAM treatments. The majority of referrals were for TCM/acupuncture. Of the 37.5% of respondents who did not refer their patients, 40% provided CAM services themselves. Conclusion Approximately 75% of the participating physicians offered CAM services themselves or referred patients for CAM treatments.