Looking for an alternative
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* Lynda Buske

A survey conducted by the Fraser Institute revealed that 73% of Canadians had used at least one alternative therapy at some point in their life. Chiropractic was the most common therapy used, being cited by 36% of respondents, followed by relaxation techniques and massage at 23%. Prayer was cited by 21% of respondents. Figure 1

![Figure1](http://www.cmaj.ca/https://www.cmaj.ca/content/cmaj/161/4/363/F1.medium.gif)

[Figure1](http://www.cmaj.ca/content/161/4/363/F1)

Figure 1. 

Exactly half reported using at least one alternative therapy in the previous 12 months, but within this group only 44% discussed this fact with their physician. More than half of these respondents (53%) felt it was unimportant for their doctor to know and 39% thought that it was none of their doctor's business. Some (22%) thought their doctors would not approve and 21% felt their physician would discourage them from seeking alternative care. Most (72%) believed that using alternative medicine in combination with conventional medicine is better than using either alone.

Canadians spend an estimated $3.8 billion on alternative medicine every year. This includes provider fees ($1.8 billion), books, medical equipment, herbs, vitamins and special diet programs; $3.8 billion accounts for more than 16% of all private health care expenditures in 1995. By way of comparison, total annual capital expenditures in Canada's hospitals stood at $2.1 billion in 1995.

Most respondents (60%) felt that alternative medicine should not be covered by provincial health plans but should remain a private expense.

This column was written by Lynda Buske, Chief, Physician Resources Information Planning, CMA. Readers may send potential research topics to Patrick Sullivan (sullip@cma.ca; 613 731-8610 or 800 663-7336, x2126; fax 613 565-2382).