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Research: KEMPER and WORNHAM
Listed in Issue 67
Abstract
KEMPER and WORNHAM , Center for Holistic Pediatric Education and Research, Children's Hospital, 333 Longwood Ave, Room LO-547, Boston, MA 02115, USA, CHPER@tch.harvard.edu described their first year of experience in providing holistic medicine consultations in an urban tertiary care teaching hospital .
Background
As demand for complementary and alternative medical (CAM) care increases, paediatric institutions face the need to answer patients' and clinicians' questions about integrating these therapies in hospital settings .
Methodology
This was a prospective cohort study. Subjects were patients seeking consultation from the Center for Holistic Pediatric Education and Research, Boston, MA, USA from 16 July 1999 to 15 July 2000. Data were obtained by reviewing consultation notes and medical records from 70 physician consultations .
Results
43 of the 70 consultations were for oncology patients and 44 were accomplished with a single visit. For 50 consultations, the goal was to obtain help in managing symptoms such as nausea, pain, insomnia or agitation . The most common questions about specific therapies had to do with herbs (n=41) or dietary supplements (n=42). Other frequent questions were about diet and nutrition (n=33), mind-body therapies such as guided imagery and biofeedback (n=28), and massage (n=25). Approximately 0.3 full-time equivalents of physician time were required to provide the clinical consultations. Of the US$26,638 billed for these services, US$7315 were collected.
Conclusion
The majority of consultations for complementary medicine were sought by oncology patients requesting assistance with pain and symptom management . Additional research is needed to determine the cost-effectiveness of an integrated approach to care, particularly for institutions without access to community resources for CAM therapies.
References
Kemper KJ, Wornham WL. Consultations for holistic pediatric services for inpatients and outpatient oncology patients at a children's hospital. Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine 155 (4): 449-54. Apr 2001.
