'Getting somewhere', feeling cared for: patients' perspectives on complementary therapies in the NHS.

OBJECTIVE

To examine satisfaction with complementary therapy among patients receiving treatment funded within the National Health Service (NHS).

DESIGN

Semi-structured interviews using a critical incident approach (n =49).

SETTING

8 sites across England providing complementary therapy services within primary care.

RESULTS

Complementary therapies are experienced as ameliorating and curing conditions, including chronic problems. Patients also perceive complementary practitioners as being caring and value the development of a therapeutic relationship within which they are encouraged to take an active part in looking after their health. Positive experiences of complementary therapy use were contrasted with either a failure of orthodox medicine or a dislike of the orthodox treatments available to them. Very few negative aspects were reported.

CONCLUSIONS

Patient satisfaction was consistent across settings and type of therapy received. The findings reinforce messages from studies of users in the private sector, but also suggest that for NHS users commitment to treatment develops largely as a result of positive experience rather than prior beliefs. Implications of the findings for research and policy are considered.