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Research: MOEBUS and co-workers,
Listed in Issue 130
Abstract
MOEBUS and co-workers, Institute for Medical Informatics, Biometry and Epidemiology, Medical Faculty, University of Duisburg-Essen, Hufelandstr. 55, 45122 Essen, Germany, have analyzed the impact of complementary and alternative therapies on sick-leave in chronically ill patients.
Background
Little is known about the effects of complementary and alternative therapies in every-day practice of primary care. The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of CAM therapies on chronic diseases within primary health care.
Methodology
In this long-term prospective intermittent study, 1221 self-selected chronically ill patients (64% women) were enrolled. The main outcome measure was sick-leave.
Results
Sick-leave per year of 441 patients at work increased from 22 +/- 45.2 to 31 +/- 61.0 days within three years prior to intervention, and decreased to 24 +/- 55.6 in the second year of treatment, sustaining at this level in the following two years. Detailed statistical analysis showed that this development exceeded secular trends and the regression-toward-the-mean effect. Sick-leave reduction was corroborated by data on self-reported improvement of patients’ health status.
Conclusion
The results indicate an general effectiveness of CAM in primary care, worthwhile of further investigations.
References
Moebus S, Lehmann N, Bodeker W, Jockel KH. An analysis of sickness absence in chronically ill patients receiving complementary and alternative medicine: a longterm prospective intermittent study. BMC Public Health 6 :28, 2006.
