Use of complementary and alternative medicine in Danish hospitals as reported by charge nurses at department level

Abstract

This study has investigated the use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) at Danish hospitals as reported by department nurses. A questionnaire was sent to department nurses at 669 hospital departments, distributed among 130 hospitals. The study showed that CAM was offered at 20.6 % of the hospital departments, distributed among 41.5 % of the Danish hospitals. 23 different CAM modalities were reported in use of which acupuncture, massage and art therapy had highest prevalence. Studies that have shown effect and experienced effect within the department were most often reported as motives for offering CAM. Compared to a similar study with chief physicians as respondents, the prevalence of CAM in use in this way was slightly higher and the variation of CAM modalities in use was significantly higher.