[Use of alternative treatment among hospital staff in a psychiatric and a rheumatology department].

Staff members of a psychiatry and a rheumatology department were given a questionnaire concerning their use of alternative treatment. The response rate was 59% (111 of 187). Of 111 replies it was found that 48% had used alternative treatment at least once, while 23% had used alternative treatment within the 3 months preceding the interview. There were no significant differences in the use of alternative treatment in relation to sex or age. Only 22 had paid more than 1000 Dkr. for alternative treatment during their lifetime. The personnel's total expenses for alternative treatment within the last 3 months were 10,400 Dkr. paid by 19 members of the personnel. Compared to investigations of the general population this investigation indicated that the hospital staff had used alternative treatment more widely. Staff use of alternative treatment was at a similar level to that found in different patient group. If the way in which the staff relates to illness and treatment serves as a model for others, it cannot be expected that they counteract the use of alternative treatment.