The determination of Complementary and Alternative Medicine use in patients presenting at the emergency room

Abstract

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to determine CAM use in patients presenting at the emergency room. MethodThis cross-sectional study was conducted with the participation of 385 patients presenting at the emergency room. Data was collected with a questionnaire between the dates 02.01.2016–31.03.2016. ResultsThe reasons for the presentation at the emergency room were found to be stomach ache (17.2%), vomiting nausea (14.8%), headache (11.2%), shortness of breath (10.9%), and urinary problems (9.6%). 94% of the patients presenting at the emergency room were found to use CAM methods with the methods used being prayer (82.3%), herbal medicine/tea (48.6%), and diets supplementary (9.4%). 80.9% of the patients were found not to share their CAM usage with health professionals. ConclusionIn order to ensure patient safety and prevent patients from coming to harm, it is thought that encouraging patients to share their CAM use with health care professionals is very important.