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A Multicenter Study of Complementary and Alternative Medicine Usage among ED Patients
Author(s) -
Kim Sunghye,
Hohrmann Jessica L.,
Clark Sunday,
Munoz Karla N.,
Braun Josef E.,
Doshi Arpi,
Radeos Michael S.,
Camargo Carlos A.
Publication year - 2005
Publication title -
academic emergency medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.221
H-Index - 124
eISSN - 1553-2712
pISSN - 1069-6563
DOI - 10.1197/j.aem.2005.02.008
Subject(s) - medicine , chiropractic , family medicine , alternative medicine , cross sectional study , emergency department , multivariate analysis , integrative medicine , allopathic medicine , health care , psychiatry , pathology , economics , economic growth
Objectives: To estimate the prevalence of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) usage among emergency department (ED) patients. Methods: This study was a cross‐sectional study in four Boston‐area EDs. For two 24‐hour periods, the authors interviewed consecutive patients age 18 and older about whether they had ever used or had recently (within the past year) used CAM “remedies” (e.g., herbal treatments) or “therapies” (e.g., chiropractic). The authors also asked about the patient's disclosure of CAM usage to allopathic health care providers. Results: Of 978 patients, 752 patients were eligible. Among these, 539 (72%) were interviewed. Of these patients, ever having used CAM was reported by 57% (95% CI = 52% to 61%), and 37% (95% CI = 33% to 41%) reported use in the past year. In a multivariate model of recent CAM usage, independent predictors were younger age, higher education level, and chronic pain. Patients who spoke Spanish as their primary language were less likely to report CAM usage. Disclosure of CAM usage to allopathic providers was low, yet >80% reported that they would be comfortable discussing their CAM usage with allopathic providers. Conclusions: CAM usage was common among ED patients enrolled in our study, despite underreporting to ED staff. Given the growing evidence of benefits and hazards from popular CAM remedies and therapies, ED staff should consider raising this health issue with their patients.