Abstract
BackgroundMany German general practitioners (GPs) use complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) in their daily work although most CAM procedures are controversial from an academic point of view.ObjectiveWe aimed to investigate how GPs justify their use of CAM.MethodsWe performed semi-structured, individual face-to-face interviews with 20 purposively sampled, experienced GPs providing primary care within the framework of the German statutory health insurance system. A grounded theory approach was used for data analysis.ResultsAll GPs participating in this study used at least some CAM in their clinical practice. Participants did not have any major conflicts when justifying their use of CAM therapies. Important arguments justifying CAM provision were: using it as a supplementary tool to conventional medicine; the feeling that evidence and science leave many problems in primary care unanswered; a strong focus on helping the individual patient, justifying the use of procedures not based on science for therapeutic and communicative purposes; a strong belief in one’s own clinical experience; and appreciation of placebo effects. In general, participants preferred CAM therapies which seemed at least somewhat plausible to them and which they could provide in an authentic manner.ConclusionsOur results suggest that many German GPs integrate CAM treatments in their routine primary care work without perceiving any major internal conflicts with professional ideals.
Highlights
Most complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) treatment modalities are scientifically controversial and seen with great skepticism by academic medicine [1, 2]
We report how participants justified their use of CAM as General practitioner (GP) and whether they perceived such use a problematic deviation from professional ideals
Summary of findings All the experienced German GPs participating in this study used at least some CAM in their clinical practice
Summary
Most complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) treatment modalities are scientifically controversial and seen with great skepticism by academic medicine [1, 2]. A variety of cultural and historic factors might contribute to the widespread use of CAM treatments among German physicians in general and among GPs in particular. The popularity and use of CAM modalities among the German population is high [10] and there is a longstanding tradition of interest into non-conventional and “natural” treatments both in the general population and among physicians [11]. Many German general practitioners (GPs) use complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) in their daily work most CAM procedures are controversial from an academic point of view
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
