Abstract
Background In 2005 12% of the English population visited a complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) practitioner.
Aim To obtain up-to-date general population figures for practitioner-led CAM use in England, and views/experiences regarding access.
Design & settingF ace-to-face questionnaire survey. Nationally representative adult quota sample (≥15yrs).
Method Ten questions within Ipsos MORI’s weekly population-based survey, about 12 month practitioner-led CAM use, reasons for non-use, views on NHS (National Health Service)-provided CAM, and willingness to pay.
Results Of 4,862 adults surveyed, 766 (16%) had seen a CAM practitioner, most commonly manual therapies (massage, osteopathy, chiropractic) and acupuncture, also yoga, Pilates, reflexology, mindfulness/meditation. Women, people with higher socioeconomic status (SES) and those in south England were more likely to access CAM. Musculoskeletal conditions (mainly back pain) accounted for 68% of use, and mental health 12%. Most was through self-referral (70%) and self financing. GPs/NHS professionals referred/recommended CAM for 17%/4% of users, who were more often unemployed, with lower income and social grade, and receiving NHS-funded CAM. Respondents were willing to pay varying amounts for CAM; 22% would not pay anything. Almost 2 in 5 respondents felt NHS funding and GP referral/endorsement would increase their CAM use.
Conclusion CAM use in England is common for musculoskeletal and mental health problems, but varies by gender, geography and SES. It is mainly self-referred and self-financed, some is GP endorsed/referred, especially for individuals of lower SES. Researchers, patients and commissioners should collaborate to research the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of CAM and consider its availability on the NHS
Aim To obtain up-to-date general population figures for practitioner-led CAM use in England, and views/experiences regarding access.
Design & settingF ace-to-face questionnaire survey. Nationally representative adult quota sample (≥15yrs).
Method Ten questions within Ipsos MORI’s weekly population-based survey, about 12 month practitioner-led CAM use, reasons for non-use, views on NHS (National Health Service)-provided CAM, and willingness to pay.
Results Of 4,862 adults surveyed, 766 (16%) had seen a CAM practitioner, most commonly manual therapies (massage, osteopathy, chiropractic) and acupuncture, also yoga, Pilates, reflexology, mindfulness/meditation. Women, people with higher socioeconomic status (SES) and those in south England were more likely to access CAM. Musculoskeletal conditions (mainly back pain) accounted for 68% of use, and mental health 12%. Most was through self-referral (70%) and self financing. GPs/NHS professionals referred/recommended CAM for 17%/4% of users, who were more often unemployed, with lower income and social grade, and receiving NHS-funded CAM. Respondents were willing to pay varying amounts for CAM; 22% would not pay anything. Almost 2 in 5 respondents felt NHS funding and GP referral/endorsement would increase their CAM use.
Conclusion CAM use in England is common for musculoskeletal and mental health problems, but varies by gender, geography and SES. It is mainly self-referred and self-financed, some is GP endorsed/referred, especially for individuals of lower SES. Researchers, patients and commissioners should collaborate to research the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of CAM and consider its availability on the NHS
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Number of pages | 19 |
| Journal | British Journal of General Practice Open |
| Early online date | 13 Nov 2018 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | E-pub ahead of print - 13 Nov 2018 |
Keywords
- Complementary Therapies
- General Practice
- Surveys and Questionnaires
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This is the final published version of the article (version of record). It first appeared online via RCGP at https://bjgpopen.org/content/early/2018/11/13/bjgpopen18X101614 . Please refer to any applicable terms of use of the publisher.
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Professor Debbie J Sharp
- Bristol Medical School (PHS) - Professor of Primary Health Care
- Bristol Population Health Science Institute
- Cancer
- Centre for Academic Primary Care
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