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BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies

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Open Access 01-12-2021 | Research

Complementary medicine in Germany: a multi-centre cross-sectional survey on the usage by and the needs of patients hospitalized in university medical centers

Authors: Ann-Kathrin Lederer, Alexandra Baginski, Lena Raab, Stefanie Joos, Jan Valentini, Carina Klocke, Yvonne Samstag, Katrin Hübner, Ivana Andreeva, Thomas Simmet, Tatiana Syrovets, Susanne Hafner, Anna Freisinger, Maximilian Andreas Storz, Roman Huber

Published in: BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies | Issue 1/2021

Abstract

Background

The results of recent surveys indicate that more than 50% of the German population has experience with complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) or uses CAM regularly. This study investigated the CAM usage and CAM-related needs of hospitalized patients at university medical centres in the state of Baden-Württemberg, Germany.

Methods

A multi-centre, paper-based, pseudonymous survey was carried out by the members of the Academic Centre for Complementary and Integrative Medicine. Patients of all ages, regardless of sex, diagnosis and treatment, who were hospitalized in the Department of Cardiology, Gastroenterology, Oncology, Gynaecology or Surgery at the university medical centres in Freiburg, Heidelberg, Tübingen and Ulm were eligible for inclusion.

Results

Of the 1275 eligible patients, 67% (n = 854) consented to participate in the survey. Forty-eight percent of the study participants stated that they were currently using CAM. The most frequently used therapies were exercise (63%), herbal medicine (54%) and dietary supplements (53%). Only 16% of the patients discussed CAM usage with their attending physician. Half of the patients (48%) were interested in CAM consultations. More than 80% of the patients desired reliable CAM information and stated that physicians should be better informed about CAM.

Conclusions

The frequency of CAM usage and the need for CAM counselling among hospitalized patients at university medical centres in Baden-Württemberg are high. To better meet patients’ needs, CAM research and physician education should be intensified.

Trial registration

German Clinical Trial register (DRKS00015445).

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Title: Complementary medicine in Germany: a multi-centre cross-sectional survey on the usage by and the needs of patients hospitalized in university medical centers
Authors: Ann-Kathrin Lederer
Alexandra Baginski
Lena Raab
Stefanie Joos
Jan Valentini
Carina Klocke
Yvonne Samstag
Katrin Hübner
Ivana Andreeva
Thomas Simmet
Tatiana Syrovets
Susanne Hafner
Anna Freisinger
Maximilian Andreas Storz
Roman Huber
Publication date: 01-12-2021
Publisher: BioMed Central
Published in: BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies / Issue 1/2021
Electronic ISSN: 2662-7671
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12906-021-03460-6

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Complementary medicine in Germany: a multi-centre cross-sectional survey on the usage by and the needs of patients hospitalized in university medical centers

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Trial registration

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Trial registration

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