On the use of classical naturopathy and complementary medicine procedures in hospitals and clinics practicing gynecology and obstetrics in Germany - Results of a questionnaire survey

Background. Classical naturopathy and complementary medicine procedures are used in all industrial countries, the only difference being the extent to which they are used. However, information pertaining to effects, safety and costs of such therapies remains incomplete. An important aim of this study was to establish to what extent women's hospitals and clinics in Germany adopt complementary medicine and naturopathy as a means of treatment and how often they are used and by whom. Materials and Methods: In a questionnaire regarding the use of complementary medicine and naturopathy, we contacted 1,054 gynecology/obstetrics institutions. Of the 1,054 contacted, 481 (45.6%) of the returned questionnaires could be analyzed and evaluated using descriptive statistical methods. Results: Altogether per clinic an average of four different complementary medicine therapies was named which were used in the field of gynecology and obstetrics. Acupuncture (used in 94.1% of responding clinics) and homeopathy (used in 83.0% of responding clinics) were without doubt the two procedures that were used most often. Clear differences regarding both choice of therapy and frequency of use of a given therapy could be seen when comparing areas of the former German Democratic Republic (GDR) with those of the former Federal Republic of Germany (FRG). No differences could be found pertaining to the comparison of university and non-university hospitals. Conclusion: Interesting tendencies could be seen regarding the willingness of hospital departments to widen their therapy spectrum by adopting complementary medicine procedures. These in turn led us to valuable conclusions as to the various strategies of patient care. Given the frequency of use of complementary medicine therapies in the field of gynecology and obstetrics, it must surely be concluded that research into complementary medicine approaches in such areas must be intensified. Copyright (C) 2003 S. Karger AG, Basel.