Shakeel, Muhammad, Bruce, Julie, Jehan, Shah, McAdam, Timothy K. and Bruce, Duff M.. (2008) Use of complementary and alternative medicine by patients admitted to a surgical unit in Scotland. Annals of The Royal College of Surgeons of England, Vol.90 (No.7). pp. 571-576. ISSN 00358843

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Abstract

INTRODUCTION
Within the UK there are 50,000 practitioners of complementary medicine. Five million people have consulted such practitioners in one year. The aim of this study was to explore the use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) in patients attending general, vascular and cardiothoracic units at a regional Scottish centre.
PATIENTS AND METHODS
A questionnaire was administered to 450 patients attending the units over an 8-week period. The questionnaire consisted of demographic sections, a listing of 48 herbal preparations and alternative therapies, reasons for use and opinions on efficacy.
RESULTS
A total of 430 patients completed questionnaires (95%); age and sex were equally distributed over the sample. Of respondents, 68% (291 patients) had ever used CAM; 46% had used CAM in the preceding year. Half had used herbal preparations only, 13% non-herbal treatments and 35% both types of therapy. Only 10% were using CAM for the condition that led to their hospital admission. Two-thirds failed to inform their family physician about their use of CAM.
CONCLUSIONS
Despite concerns regarding the efficacy, safety and cost-effectiveness of complementary medicine, use amongst surgical patients is common.

Item Type:	Journal Article
Subjects:	R Medicine > R Medicine (General) R Medicine > RD Surgery
Divisions:	Faculty of Medicine > Warwick Medical School > Health Sciences Faculty of Medicine > Warwick Medical School
Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH):	Alternative medicine -- Scotland -- Research, Medical care -- Scotland, Surgery -- Patients
Journal or Publication Title:	Annals of The Royal College of Surgeons of England
Publisher:	The Royal College of Surgeons of England
ISSN:	00358843
Official Date:	October 2008
Volume:	Vol.90
Number:	No.7
Page Range:	pp. 571-576
Identification Number:	10.1308/003588408X301046
Status:	Peer Reviewed
Publication Status:	Published
Access rights to Published version:	Restricted or Subscription Access
URI:	http://wrap.warwick.ac.uk/id/eprint/36965

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