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Research: Liu and colleagues, C
Listed in Issue 59
Abstract
Liu and colleagues, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, Department of Complementary Medicine Services, Presbyterian Hospital, School of Public Health, Columbia University, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA. ehl7@columbia.edu investigated use of alternative medicine by patients undergoing cardiac surgery .
Background
Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) may influence cardiac surgical care by inducing coagulopathies and interacting with perioperative medications. The authors evaluated the significance of CAM use in an acutely ill cardiac surgical population and assessed the willingness of patients to reveal these activities to their physicians and surgeons.
Methodology
A total of 376 consecutive patients undergoing preoperative or postoperative cardio-thoracic surgical evaluations at an urban academic medical center were approached to complete a survey regarding use and attitudes toward (CAM) between March and May 1998.
Results
Completion rate was 70% (n = 263). Respondents were predominantly male (72%), white (76%), and well educated (59% ). The overall rate of CAM use was 75%, but excluding prayer and vitamins, which are often not considered CAM therapies, the rate was 44%. There was no correlation between the use of CAM and the parameters of gender, age, race, or education level. Only 17% responded that they had discussed CAM with their physicians, and 48% responded that they did not want to discuss the topic at all .
Conclusion
CAM is used as frequently in patients undergoing cardiac surgery, as in the general population. Physicians and surgeons should be aware that patients have no inherent predisposition toward or against using CAM, but that they are unlikely to volunteer their experience with it. The unwillingness of patients to discuss CAM with physicians has serious implications for their safety, especially in acute care situations.
References
Liu EH et al. Use of alternative medicine by patients undergoing cardiac surgery. Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 120(2): 335-41. Aug 2000.
