Doctors' attitudes to acupuncture — a Norwegian study

Abstract

1466 Norwegian working doctors under 71 y of age were surveyed in February 1994 on their attitudes to acupuncture and experience as acupuncture patients. 1135 doctors responded (response rate: 77%). More than 8% had undergone acupuncture treatment and 38% of these reported benefit from the treatment. Over 53% would realistically consider acupuncture if they got problems or diseases where acupuncture treatment could be an alternative. More than 38% recommend acupuncture treatment to their migraine patients. More than four out of five doctors would not try to interfere with a patient's wish to try acupuncture treatment for cancer. 81% said that acupuncture is, or should be integrated in the national health care system. More general practitioners held this view than other doctors ( p<0.001). Positive attitudes were strongest among doctors who either had already undergone acupuncture treatment or intended to do so. If this development continues, acupuncture could be an integrated part of the national Norwegian health care system in the near future.