Why unconventional medicine?

Article Abstract:

The growing use of unconventional medicine presents special considerations for the medical community. A national survey reported that about a third of American adults seek unconventional therapy such as chiropractic or acupuncture every year, spending over $10 billion annually. Most seek treatment for chronic problems such as backaches, anxiety and arthritis, and most are white, educated, aged 25 to 49 and living in the West. The survey also found that most patients who undergo unconventional therapy do not tell their physicians. Physicians should be sure to ask about patients' use of unconventional therapy when taking medical histories and try to be both understanding and non-judgmental. Physicians should try not to feel threatened by patients who follow unorthodox treatments but instead try to maintain their trust and discuss their fears and concerns.

Social aspects, Usage, Physician and patient, Physician-patient relations, Alternative medicine

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A death at Duke

Article Abstract:

The death of a 17-year-old girl at Duke University Medical Center in February, 2003, from a mismatched heart-lung transplantation could make it harder for Congress to place limits on malpractice awards. She died after she was given a heart and lungs from a type A donor even though she was type O. The outcome of this tragedy is far from certain, but may involve a lawsuit and a further erosion of the public's trust in the US health care system.

North Carolina, Care and treatment, Patient outcomes, Mortality, Graft rejection, Heart transplantation, Cardiomyopathy, Myocardial diseases, Cardiac patients, Death of, Restrictive cardiomyopathy, Duke University. Hospital (Durham, North Carolina)

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A symptom of discontent

Article Abstract:

Doctors may feel that managed care forces them to spend less time with their patients but two different data sources show that the average office visit actually increased by a minute or two between 1989 and 1998. The American health care system has become much more complex and bureaucratic, and this could account for the widespread discontent among doctors.

Psychological aspects, Analysis, Physicians, Medical professions, Managed care plans (Medical care), Physician services utilization

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