Questionnaire survey on use of placebo.

OBJECTIVES

To gauge the frequency and circumstances of use of placebo in clinical practice and the attitudes towards its use among those who administer it.

DESIGN

Retrospective questionnaire.

SETTING

Two large hospitals and various community clinics in the Jerusalem area.

PARTICIPANTS

31 physicians working in hospital inpatient and outpatient departments, 31 head nurses working in hospital inpatient departments, and 27 family physicians working in community clinics.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Self report of frequency and circumstances of, and attitudes towards, use of placebo.

RESULTS

Among the 89 respondents, 53 (60%) used placebos (95% confidence interval 49% to 70%). Among users, 33 (62%) prescribed a placebo as often as once a month or more; 36 (68%) told patients they were receiving actual medication; 15 (28%) considered that placebos were a diagnostic tool; and 48/51 (94%) reported that they found placebos generally or occasionally effective.

CONCLUSION

Most practitioners questioned in this study continue to use placebos. Used wisely, placebos might have a legitimate place in therapeutics. Wider recognition of the practice and debate about its implications are imperative.