The use of complimentary and alternative medicine in a hospital setting has more than doubled in the past four years, recent research shows. A survey of more than 4,800 hospitals conducted by the Chicago-based American Hospital Association (AHA) reveals that more than 15 percent of hospitals are now offering complementary and alternative (CAM) healthcare services. In 1998, 6 percent of hospitals offered CAM services.
Patient demand sparked the increase, AHA says. However, 24 percent of the CAM services currently offered come as a result of shifts in hospitals' missions. Other motivators include clinical effectiveness, strategies for attracting new patients and differentiation from competitors, the survey finds.
The five most popular hospital-based CAM services are pastoral care, massage therapy, relaxation treatment, guided imagery and therapeutic nutrition.
Patient demand sparked the increase, AHA says. However, 24 percent of the CAM services currently offered come as a result of shifts in hospitals' missions. Other motivators include clinical effectiveness, strategies for attracting new patients and differentiation from competitors, the survey finds.
The five most popular hospital-based CAM services are pastoral care, massage therapy, relaxation treatment, guided imagery and therapeutic nutrition.