Homeopathy. 2016 Nov;105(4):289-298. doi: 10.1016/j.homp.2016.09.001. Epub 2016 Oct 24.
- 1Laboratoires Boiron, Messimy, France. Electronic address: karine.danno@boiron.fr.
- 2Laboratoires Boiron, Messimy, France.
- 3Université de Lyon, HCL, Service d'Oncologie Médicale, CH Lyon-Sud, Pierre-Bénite, France.
- 4Centre Léon Bérard, Lyon, France.
- 5Cyklad Group, Lyon, France.
- 6Cabinet médical, Issoire, France.
- 7Cabinet médical, Ecully, France.
- 8CH Saint Joseph Saint Luc, Lyon, France.
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS:
The
motivations of patients who consult a homeopathic (GP-Ho) or
conventional (GP-CM) general practitioner for supportive care during
cancer treatment have not been widely studied. We investigated the
reasons why cancer patients consult a GP-Ho versus a GP-CM for
supportive care and the GPs' motivations for their prescriptions.
METHODS:
This observational survey was carried out in France between October 2008 and October 2011. GPs across France
were randomly selected and asked to recruit four cancer patients each.
At inclusion, the sociodemographic and clinical (including
psychological) characteristics and medical history of the patients were
recorded by the GPs and the patients noted their quality of life (QoL)
and anxiety/depression using the Quality of Life Questionnaire-C30
(QLQ-C30) and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS)
self-questionnaires. The main motivations of the patients regarding the
type of GP consultation and the main reasons for the GPs' prescriptions
were recorded.
RESULTS:
Six
hundred and forty four patients were included in the analysis: 399
consulted a GP-CM (n = 112) and 245 a GP-Ho (n = 73). Patients
consulting a GP-Ho were more often female [OR = 1.93; 95%CI: 1.11-3.35;
p = 0.02], employed in a professional capacity [OR = 6.57; 95%CI:
1.96-21.99; p = 0.002], have a shorter time since cancer diagnosis
[OR = 2.19; 95%CI: 1.24-3.87; p = 0.007], have received targeted
anticancer therapy [OR = 3.70; 95%CI: 1.67-8.18; p = 0.001] and have a
high QLQ-C30 score for constipation [OR = 1.01; 95%CI: 1.00-1.02;
p = 0.001]. Patients mainly consulted a GP-Ho to receive overall care
(73.5% vs. 64.9%; p = 0.024) and medicines to prevent anticancer
treatment-related side-effects (63.7% vs. 41.4%; p < 0.0001). In
contrast, patients consulted a GP-CM to receive psychological care
(50.1% vs. 40.8%; p = 0.021) and more information regarding the
oncologists' strategic decisions (p < 0.0001). There was a
significantly greater prescription of psychotropic drugs by GP-CM (53.7%
vs. 22.4%, p < 0.0001).
CONCLUSIONS:
Patients
consulting a GP-Ho or GP-CM had different motivations for seeking
supportive care. There was a significantly greater prescription of
psychotropic drugs by GP-CM.
Copyright © 2016 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.
KEYWORDS:
Cancer; Complementary medicine; Cross-sectional survey; General practice; Homeopathy; Supportive care
