The Utilization of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) Combined with Conventional Medicine among Outpatients: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study is to investigate the prevalence, the pattern, the characteristics, and the decision-making process of CAM use among outpatients living in Southern Taiwan.Methods: A retrospective study using a cross-sectional survey was designed to recruit patients who attend any clinic in a general hospital. A sample of 521 study participants was selected by cluster sampling strategy. The questionnaire consists primarily of three sections: 1) demographic characteristics and clinical information, 2) the pattern of CAM use, and 3) the experience of CAM use.Results: Of the 521 participants, 51.6% (n=269) reported using CAM during the prior 12 months. The most popular CAM therapy was nutritional supplements among CAM users. CAM users were older, married, retired, practicing a religion, visits to clinics monthly, taking less medications and higher medication compliance. To be noted, 65.3% CAM users who used biologically based therapies, did not know what kind of ingredients they were actually taking and 75.5% of participants adjusted the timing and dosage of conventional medication by themselves without informing conventional healthcare professionals.Conclusions: The high overall use of CAM among outpatients has been confirmed in this study; however, poor discussion regarding CAM use may indicate a deficiency in patient-health care professional relations, and may impact negatively on patient care and outcomes. Therefore, the awareness of what CAM is used, who is used, and how it is used is important for healthcare professionals to ensuring safe in the management of patients' health care.