The perceived efficacy of complementary and orthodox medicine: a replication

Author(s): FURNHAM, A.

Abstract: A total of 82 patients attending a large London acupuncture centre completed a questionnaire on the perceived efficacy of orthodox and complementary medicine. The questionnaire covered: (1) demographic information and experience of complementary medicine; (2) ratings of the perceived efficacy of acupuncture, osteopathy, homoeopathy, herbalism, and orthodox medicine for 16 illnesses, divided into four categories (major, minor, chronic, and psychological). Osteopathy and acupuncture were seen as particularly useful for back pain, with acupuncture being seen by these acupuncture patients as beneficial for other chronic conditions and for psychological problems. Orthodox medicine was seen as least effective at curing chronic and psychological conditions. Positive attitudes to science were associated with a stronger belief in the efficacy of orthodox medicine, while beliefs in importance of psychological factors in health were positively associated with beliefs in the efficacy of various forms of complementary treatment.

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