Positive Health Online
Your Country
![[Image: http://www.abundanceandhealth.co.uk]](/img/original/BannerAvatar/2836.df7d2315253110ff5b3a566f94871f99.jpg "http://www.abundanceandhealth.co.uk")
![[Image: https://www.water-for-health.co.uk/]](/img/original/BannerAvatar/4046.12831f50177f8848ee87b8e94411d6b3.jpg "https://www.water-for-health.co.uk/")
![[Image: http://www.balens.co.uk]](/img/original/BannerAvatar/2148.50367fa908013fae0a7f1a171543ef92.jpg "http://www.balens.co.uk")
![[Image: http://www.drsgoodman.com/books-goodman/52-nutrition-and-cancer]](/img/original/BannerAvatar/1859.1296090fd8385e7ceff51c8011559097.jpg "http://www.drsgoodman.com/books-goodman/52-nutrition-and-cancer")
Research: TURNER and co-authors,
Listed in Issue 151
Abstract
TURNER and co-authors, Research Council for Complementary Medicine, UK, have written about the importance of environment and practitioner presentation for the therapeutic relationship.
Background
The aim of this study was to explore patients' views of the importance of environmental and social factors within a complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) practice.
Methodology
A cross-sectional patient survey was conducted in 37 CAM practices in the UK using a structured questionnaire.
Results
Of the 219 responders (response rate 59%), 65% were female. The most common treatment modalities were osteopathy and acupuncture. Patients rated telephone manner, practitioner appearance and explanatory literature as very important factors in shaping first impressions and influencing their confidence in the complementary practice. Patients' preferences for practitioner dress code were highly variable. Overall 65% preferred a white coat to casual dress. A multivariate analysis revealed that this preference was statistically significantly greater in two geographical regions and in patients over 70 years old. It was not influenced by gender or treatment modality.
Conclusion
Further research is recommended in order to understand how the complex verbal and non-verbal communication implicit in the CAM setting may affect the therapeutic relationship.
References
Turner RN, Leach J, Robinson D. First impressions in complementary practice: the importance of environment, dress and address to the therapeutic relationship. Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice 13 (2): 102-109, May 2007.
