The Supply of Complementary and Alternative Medicine in Swiss Hospitals

Abstract

Listen

Translate article

Over the past few years, a considerable increasein complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) has beenobserved, particularly in primary care. In contrast little isknown about the supply of CAM in Swiss hospitals. Thisstudy aims at the investigation of amount and structure ofCAM activities of Swiss hospitals. Materials and Methods: Wedesigned a cross-sectional survey using a 2-step, questionnaire-based approach acquiring overview information formhospital managers in a first questionnaire leading to detailedinformation on CAM usage at medical department level (headof department). This second questionnaire provides data ofphysician-based and non-physician-based CAM supply. Results:The size of hospitals was significantly associated withthe provision of CAM. 33% of the hospital managers indicated1 or more medical doctor (MD) using CAM in their hospitalcompared to 37% of confirmation on department level (Kappavalue 0.5). Mostly different CAM methods were applied.Acupuncture was used most frequently. However only 13 hospitals(11%) occupied more than 3 CAM MDs and only 5 hospitalshad more than 2 full-time equivalents for MDs. Furthermore,74.7% of these personnel resources were dedicated foroutpatient care. In terms of CAM methods anthroposophicmedicine accounted for more than half of the total personnelcosts. On the other hand usage of non-physician based CAMaccounted for 41% according to hospital managers comparedto 64% of CAM usage according to medical departments(Kappa values 0.31). Reflexology of the foot was used mostfrequently. Conclusion: Total supply of CAM in Swiss hospitalsis low and concentrates on few hospitals. Acupuncture isthe widest spread discipline but anthroposophic medicinespends the most resources. The study shows that a high patientdemand for CAM faces low supply in hospitals.