Focus on Alternative and Complementary Therapies
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Focus Alternat Complement Ther©2005 Pharmaceutical Press
Focus Altern Complement Ther 1997; 2: 188–9
3000 patients in general practice are being documented in a prospective study about long-term effects and costs of acupuncture and homoeopathy. The documentation includes patients insured with a German health insurer, who are seeking homoeopathic or acupuncture treatment. This initial evaluation shows results for the first 500 patients who have finished their treatment.
The diagnosis and progress will be monitored by the treating doctors. Patients provide data at the beginning of treatment, at the end, and at yearly follow-ups, on complaints, current treatment, treatment motivation, satisfaction and general status of health, measured with the MOS-SF 36 (German version). The insurance company provides data on work days lost and days in hospital over the five year period preceding the study and the study period, as a measure of costs and outcome.
Over 70% of the patients say they are a lot better or cured and that they are satisfied. This overall appraisal is reflected in the doctors ratings, as well as in the change in MOS-SF 36 scores. More recent data will be shown, as well as insurance data which are at present being incorporated into the database.
This prospective study demonstrates good acceptance and effectiveness of acupuncture and homoeopathic treatment as perceived by patients, and seems to be a good method to document and evaluate acupuncture and homoeopathy in general practice.
