Characteristics and health related beliefs of patients visiting a CAM university health center

A substantial and increasing proportion of the US population visits complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) providers for treatment of a variety of conditions and wellness care. Use of CAM is predicted by both patient conditions and characteristics. Patients with chronic pain are particularly noted as receiving CAM therapy for both addressing sickness and maintaining health. The current body of evidence on the characteristics of patients seeking CAM therapy is limited in scope. The purpose of this study was to describe the characteristics, behaviors and healthcare related beliefs of patients visiting a CAM University Health Center. A survey was administered to patients visiting a CAM University Health Center for the fourth or more time. The health center provides acupuncture, chiropractic, ayurvedic and massage therapy. The survey asked about the demographics, presenting complaints, treatment modalities used, satisfaction with the care, health care related beliefs and health related behaviors. Results from the survey showed that certain characteristics were common among these CAM users. Patients at a CAM university health center reported giving value to healthy behaviors and integrated health care. Pain was the most common reason for the patient visits. Result from the survey will be used to improve the services offered to the health center patients and will be shared with the designers of the program curricula to prepare the students to meet patient needs. Future studies should compare the findings in this population to the general public to determine if there are factors that can predict the use of CAM.