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Great Expectations

What Do Patients Using Complementary and Alternative Medicine Hope For?

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Abstract

The aim of this review is to summarize the published evidence regarding the expectations of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) users. We conducted electronic searches in MEDLINE and a hand search of our own files. Seventy-three articles met our inclusion criteria. A wide range of expectations emerged. In order of prevalence, they included hope to influence the natural history of the disease; disease prevention and health/general well-being promotion; fewer side effects; being in control over one’s health; symptom relief; boosting the immune system; emotional support; holistic care; improving quality of life; relief of side effects of conventional medicine; good therapeutic relationship; obtaining information; coping better with illness; supporting the natural healing process; and availability of treatment. It is concluded that the expectations of CAM users are currently not rigorously investigated. Future studies should have a clear focus on specific aspects of this broad question.

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Acknowledgements

S.K. Hung is supported by a grant from Schwabe Germany. The authors have no conflicts of interest that are directly relevant to the content of this review.

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  1. Complementary Medicine, Peninsula Medical School, University of Exeter, 25 Victoria Park Road, Exeter, EX2 4NT, UK

    E. Ernst & S. K. Hung

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Ernst, E., Hung, S.K. Great Expectations. Patient-Patient-Centered-Outcome-Res 4, 89–101 (2011). https://doi.org/10.2165/11586490-000000000-00000

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