Consultation with complementary medicine practitioners by individuals with chronic conditions: Characteristics and reasons for consultation in Australian clinical settings

• DOI: 10.1111/hsc.13072
• Publication Date: 2020-06-20T05:31:28Z
• Authors: Hope Foley; Amie Steel; Jon Adams
• Keywords: Osteopathy; Naturopathy; Podiatrist

The duration and complexity of chronic conditions leads patients to consult complementary medicine (CM) practitioners, yet such care-seeking by this clinical population has not been thoroughly examined.This study describes characteristics reasons for consultation amongst those with who CM practitioners.A cross-sectional surveyed in clinics 39 practitioners from the five most accessed professions Australia (chiropractic, massage, osteopathy, acupuncture, naturopathy).Between November 2018 March 2019, invited 15 consecutive adult (n=585 invited) a selfadministered, hard-copy survey covering socio-demographics, condition diagnoses, service utilisation consulting practitioner.In total, 199 surveys were returned, producing final sample n=191.Chronic reported 153 (80.1%) participants, commonly female (82.4%), aged over 65 years (29.0%),married (55.9%), vocational/trade qualified (40.1%), employed (62.5%), financial manageability as too bad (48.0%), held private health insurance generally (79.0%) specifically (71.1%).Some socio-demographic differences found depending on profession consulted.Most participants (75.0%) had attended or more consultations practitioner.The given practitioner This care professional is supportive compassionate (n=136, 97.1%),I believe type safe (n=131, 95.6%), Improve general wellbeing prevent future Page 1 28 Health & Social Care Community F o r P e R v i w 2 problems (n=125, 89.3%) gives me hope about my (n=108, 85.7%).These findings suggest individuals may address unmet quality life needs support.The role CMpractitioners fill requires further exploration develop optimal policy services manage growing challenges present systems.