Complementary and alternative medicine for lupus: Current attitudes and practices among patients and providers in a northeastern state

Previous research estimates that a significant and growing portion of patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) engage in complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). Other research suggests that patients and providers hold divergent attitudes about the effectiveness of CAM. However, existing studies are largely limited by sample size or sampling strategy and are often not representative of current attitudes and practices. This study surveys lupus patients and providers in one Northeastern state in 2013. Rheumatology provider contact information was obtained from two state professional associations and patient contacts were obtained from a state advocacy organization. While patient results are not yet available (as of abstract submission), preliminary provider results (n=29) suggest that they underestimate the proportion of their patients engaged in CAM (based on previous estimates) and that perceived effectiveness varies by CAM classification. The majority of providers (75%) agree that mind-body interventions (e.g., kinesiology, prayer, relaxation) are effective. A smaller proportion agree that manipulative and body-based therapies (48%) and spiritual/health literature (41%) are effective, while very few agree that alternative medical systems (7%), alternative treatment centers (7%) or energy therapies (3%) are effective. In addition, a non-trivial proportion of providers were undecided regarding effectiveness across CAM classifications. Final provider results will be compared to those of patients on identical questions. Results are discussed in the context of a larger effort to improve lupus education and awareness in one US state.