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Homeopathy 2005; 94(04): 222-228
DOI: 10.1016/j.homp.2005.08.013
Original Paper
Copyright ©The Faculty of Homeopathy 2005

Changes in patients visiting a homeopathic clinic in Norway from 1994 to 2004

P Viksveen
1   Stavanger Homeopati Senter, Stavanger, Norway
,
A Steinsbekk
2   Department of Public Health and General Practice, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway
› Institutsangaben
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Publikationsverlauf

Received 21. Februar 2005
revised 20. Mai 2005

accepted 15. August 2005

Publikationsdatum:
17. Dezember 2017 (online)

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Abstract

Aim There are a few examining changes in patient groups seeking homeopathic care. This study describes changes in complaints and characteristics of patients visiting a homeopathic clinic in Norway from 1994/1995 to 2003/2004.

Methods Two surveys were conducted, each including data for 700 patients who had visited the same homeopathic clinic, with five (1995) and seven (2004) homeopaths, respectively. Data on patients’ gender, age, occupation, reason for encounter and where they had heard about homeopathy and the homeopathic clinic were registered by the homeopaths. In 2004, the patients also answered questions on the previous use of conventional treatment and how long it took them to decide to consult a homeopath.

Results There are no changes in the reason for encounter and gender proportions between 1995 and 2004. Over 36% of patients were under the age of 16 in 2004, compared to 26% in 1995. Most patients still consult homeopaths through a lay referral network. In 2004, more than 60% made an appointment with a homeopath within the first month of first considering it.

Conclusion There are few changes in the characteristics of this homeopathic patient population. There is a need for studies that explore the ‘why question’; Why an increasing percentage of patients are children? Why people with higher education and why certain age groups visit homeopaths more frequently than others?

Keywords

homeopathy - referral system - children - respiratory diseases - skin diseases - psychological complaints
 

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