A multimethod research study on the use of complementary therapies among patients with inflammatory bowel disease.

CONTEXT The purpose of this study was to gain a better understanding of the use of complementary therapies among patients with inflammatory bowel disease. OBJECTIVE To examine factors influencing the use of complementary therapies, to explore patient-physician communication concerning those therapies, and to assess the effect of combining qualitative with quantitative research. DESIGN In-depth qualitative interviews. PARTICIPANTS Fourteen patients were selected from a quantitative study in which the use of complementary therapies among patients with inflammatory bowel disease was assessed. RESULTS Patients reported using complementary therapies because of the serious side effects of medical treatment, because they felt conventional treatments did not help, and because complementary therapies were thought to be safe. Psychological and social factors for using complementary therapies must be considered and understood. Patients cited many reasons for not discussing the use of complementary therapies with their doctors. Adding qualitative data to quantitative research greatly increased the authors' understanding of factors that contribute to complementary therapy use. CONCLUSIONS Multiple factors contribute to the decision to use complementary therapies among those with inflammatory bowel disease. Identifying these factors is important for educating physicians regarding their patients' use of complementary therapies and may contribute to improved patient-physician communication.