Premium
Observational study of alternative therapies among paediatric emergency department patients
Author(s) -
Ding JuenLi,
Taylor David McD,
Lee Marina,
Johnson Olivia G,
Ashok Aadith,
Griffiths Meg,
Simma Leopold,
Craig Simon S,
Cheek John A,
Babl Franz E
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
emergency medicine australasia
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.602
H-Index - 52
eISSN - 1742-6723
pISSN - 1742-6731
DOI - 10.1111/1742-6723.12744
Subject(s) - medicine , massage , chiropractic , observational study , anxiety , emergency department , family medicine , medical prescription , ethnic group , alternative medicine , psychiatry , pathology , pharmacology , sociology , anthropology
Objective While complementary medicine use among ED paediatric patients is common, the use of alternative therapies ( ATs ; physical or spiritual therapies) is unknown. We aimed to determine the 12 month period prevalence and nature of AT use among paediatric patients and parent perceptions of AT use. Methods We undertook a cross‐sectional survey of a convenience sample of parents of paediatric patients in three EDs in metropolitan Melbourne, Australia (January–June, 2015). Parents were invited to complete a validated, anonymous, self‐administered questionnaire. The main outcomes were AT use by the patient and parent perceptions of ATs . Results A total of 806 parents were enrolled. In the previous 12 months, 393 (48.8%) patients had received at least one AT . There were no gender or ethnicity differences between AT users and non‐users. AT use was more common among older patients ( P < 0.05). Patients with chronic illness tended to use more ATs ( P = 0.12). A total of 1091 courses of 43 different ATs had been provided. The most common were massage (16% of patients), chiropractic therapy (9.8%), relaxation (7.2%), meditation (6.2%) and aromatherapy (6.1%). ATs were generally used for musculoskeletal problems, health maintenance, stress and anxiety. Parents who arranged the ATs were significantly more likely to report that ATs are safe, prevent and treat illness, assist prescription medicines and offer a more holistic approach to healthcare ( P < 0.001). Conclusion AT use is common among paediatric ED patients. Parents who arrange AT have differing perceptions of AT usefulness and safety from those who do not.