Quality of life in a population utilizing an integrative medicine clinic.

Abstract

<italic>Intent</italic>. Alternative medicine utilization is increasing and has largely been financed on a self pay basis by its users. Many changes are now underway that will increase third party reimbursement for these services and make them more available to a wider population. Significant questions of value remain. This study was designed to capture and analyze information on patients receiving alternative medicine services in integrative medicine clinics. <italic>Methods</italic>. The Short Form 36 (SF-36) was utilized to assess the outcomes of care. The questionnaire was administered to new patients of 14 integrative medicine clinics in four metropolitan areas around the United States. Demographic information regarding gender, age, income, education, co-morbidities, race, and marital status was also obtained. The SF-36 was completed a second time by patients at a subsequent visit to the clinic. <italic>Results</italic>. A total of 546 patients filled out the questionnaire at least twice. The profile of utilizers was consistent with other studies. A preponderance of female users (73%) with higher educational levels (85% with at least some college experience) and with higher annual income (47% above $60K) was noted. Utilizers presented with self-perceived health profiles significantly below the normal population in all areas of SF-36 scoring. The second application of the SF-36 revealed statistically significant improvements in all 8 measured categories (P < .001). Regression models of patient characteristics yielded marginal results with 13 out of 192 comparisons statistically significant at the P &le; .05 level. <italic>Conclusion</italic>. Integrative medicine can be associated with a positive impact on self-reported health status.