Concurrent consultations with physicians and providers of alternative care: results from a population-based study

OBJECTIVE: We examined the factors related to consultations with both physicians and alternative practitioners, compared with visits to physicians only. METHODS: A telephone survey (random-digit dialling) collected information from 818 adults living in and around Saskatoon. Respondents reported consultations with alternative practitioners and physicians in the previous 12 months. RESULTS: Approximately one in five respondents had consulted both a physician and an alternative practitioner. Among respondents under 65 years of age, having one or more chronic medical conditions significantly increased the likelihood of concurrent use of care. Men, individuals suffering from back pain or migraines, those reporting an elevation level of distress, and those for whom spiritual values were important were also more likely to use both types of care. INTERPRETATION: Consultations with alternative care providers occur as an adjunct to, rather than a replacement of visits to physicians. Particular types of medical conditions as well as psychosocial and spiritual factors are determinants of concurrent use of physicians and alternative practitioners.