Complementary medicine and the patient

摘要

In surveys of users of complementary medicine, about 80% are satisfied with the treatment they received. Interestingly, this is not always dependent on an improvement in their presenting complaint For example, in one UK survey of cancer patients, changes attributed to complementary medicine included being emotionally stronger, less anxious, and more hopeful about the future even if the cancer remained unchanged. Satisfaction may influence further use of complementary medicine: a Community Health Council survey found that over two thirds of complementary medicine users returned for further courses of treatment and that over 90% thought that they might use complementary medicine in the future. What is it that patients find worth while and what does this tell us about their expectations of healthcare services in general?