The Spreading of Homeopathy among Physicians Germany

Author(s): Schlich, T.

Abstract: Introduction: Currently there is great interest in complementary medicine respectively unorthodox methods of medicine. Just because these methods are discussed controversially, it is very instructive to quantify their spreading among physicians.Objective: The aim of the study was to determine the spreading of one complementary method, homeopathy, among physicians in Germany.Methods: Within the framework of a retrospective survey which was conducted with all 'Ärztekammern' (Medical Councils of Germany) as well as the 'Kassenärztliche Bundesvereinigung' (Federal Association of Panel Doctors) we asked for the following data: number of total physicians (1992), number of physicians with an additional qualification in homeopathy (1992), development of these numbers prior to 1992. Furthermore, we asked the 'Deutscher Zentralverein homöopathischer Ärzte' for the number of its members.Results: In 1992, 2,037 (0.59%) of all physicians, among whom 802 doctors set up in practice (1.04%), had the additional qualification in homeopathy. The absolute numbers correspond well with the membership of the 'Deutscher Zentralverein homöopathischer Ärzte' (Association of German homeopathic physicians). The development over the years shows an increase in the number of additional qualifications since the early eighties. The regional distribution shows a higher spreading in the South than in the North of Germany.Conclusion: The spreading of homeopathy can be quantified with the method presented here. Considering the development over the years and the regional distribution we obtain a differentiated view. Much time spent for investigations could be saved and future research work facilitated by a central registration of the data. We propose further research on the spreading of unorthodox methods among physicians, as they allow a good insight into our health care and social system.

Keyword(s): Homöopathie

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