의료기관 종사자의 보완 대체의학에 대한 인식도 조사

Abstract

Abstract

Perceptions of Health Professionals toward Complementary & Alternative Medicine

Lee, Jin-Ho Advisor: Prof. Suh, Chae-Hong, M.D., Ph.D. Department of Alternative Medicine Graduate School of Health Science Chosun University

Due to recent economic improvements as well as an increased interest in health care, alternative medicine has been used to support good health and treat diseases.

The purpose of this study is to show that alternative medicine has to be more systematic, scientific, and stable than it currently is. I collected this data from the medical staff at a university hospital, general hospitals, and pharmacies, all of which are located in Gwangju.

Data analysis was conducted to examine the general characteristics of the medical staff. This analysis was conducted to determine the differences in attitudes toward of alternative medicine among the doctors, nurses, and pharmacists.

Looking at the results of the statistical study, 88.1% of the test subjects had an understanding of alternative medicine. Fifty one point nine percent of them came to know about alternative medicine through different forms of media, such as newspaper, television, and magazines. Fifty six point eight percent of the subjects felt that alternative medicines, when accompanied by pharmaceutical medicines or treatments would have a positive outcome, stating that pharmaceutical medicines is the superior form. The reason the subjects used alternative medicine was the belief that alternative medicine used in conjunction with pharmaceutical medicine would shorten the recovery time. We noticed a statistical difference of p = 0.001. Fifty five point seven percent of the subjects felt that alternative medicine was not a primary treatment but a supplementary treatment instead. We noticed a statistical difference of p = 0.024. Forty two point seven percent of the subjects believed that alternative medicine could be applied to treating chronic musculoskeletal pain. We noticed a statistical difference of p = 0.003.

Sixty two point two percent of the subjects felt that the problems regarding the wide use of alternative medicine are stability, reliability, and overall effectiveness which are yet to be proven. Eighty six point five percent of the subjects felt that the most important factor was visiting a hospital, but combining alternative medicine with hospital care could be arranged if necessary.

Forty percent of the subjects claimed to have experience with alternative medicine. The occupation most familiar with alternative medicine was physical therapy, of which 52.9% of the medical staff had experience with alternative medicine. Amongst them, 12.8% claimed to use health food supplements, the next most common alternative therapies were yoga and therapeutic massage. Sixty six point two percent of the physical therapists are satisfied with the results from the use of alternative medicine. When asked about their interest in alternative medicine, 48.1% showed general interest, while 34.1% showed slight interest. We noticed a statistical difference of p=0.004.

When asked if they would recommend alternative medicine to others, 76.8% of the subjects said that they would, 21.3% of doctors said that they would not recommend alternative medicines. 83.3% of the test subjects felt that alternative medicine could be applied in conjunction with clinical treatments. We noticed a statistical difference of p=0.004. Amongst these subjects, 40.3% believe that alternative medicine could be applied to clinical environments because alternative medicine could be a complementary treatment and an aid in reducing symptoms. We noticed a statistical difference of p=0.001.

Eighty point six percent of the subjects did not feel that alternative medicine could be applied to clinical treatments. They felt this way because they believed that scientific evidence was insufficient. When asked if they would apply alternative medicine with pharmaceutical medicine, 85.1% said they would if the treatment was proven to be effective. We noticed a statistical difference of p=0.000.

When asked how they would recommend alternative therapies to others, 57.3% said that the recommendation would be dependent on the alternative therapy in question. Eighteen point four percent said if the method is used correctly, they would highly recommend using alternative therapy. We noticed a statistical difference of p=0.0004. When asked who should administer the alternative therapy to patients, 77.8% suggested an expert who had received professional training in the field. We noticed a statistical difference of p=0.001.

To encourage the use of alternative medicine, 58.4% of the subjects felt the government and other health related organizations should increase the amount of scientific research directly related to alternative medicines. We noticed a statistical difference of p=0.001.

Nowadays, alternative therapy is indiscriminately affecting our daily lives through the use of mass media, that misrepresents the benefits of alternative therapies. In order to eliminate this misrepresentation, health professionals should perform clinical studies to help their patients understand the actual benefits of alternative therapy. It is time for medical professionals to abandon the idea that alternative therapy is not a part of contemporary medicine. They should research and develop different methods of alternative therapies and then promote these methods.

The government should also research and develop different methods of alternative therapies and suggest these safer methods to the public, which in turn would enhance consumer confidence in alternative therapies. The government can also show the public how alternative therapies can improve the quality of their lives.