Use of placebo interventions among Swiss primary care providers.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Placebo interventions can have meaningful effects for patients. However, little is known about the circumstances of their use in clinical practice. We aimed to investigate to what extent and in which way Swiss primary care providers use placebo interventions. Furthermore we explored their ideas about the ethical and legal issues involved.

Methods

599 questionnaires were sent to general practitioners (GPs) and paediatricians in private practice in the Canton of Zurich in Switzerland. To allow for subgroup analysis GPs in urban, suburban, and rural areas as well as paediatricians were selected in an even ratio.

Results

233 questionnaires were completed (response rate 47%). 28% of participants reported that they never used placebo interventions. More participa

SUBMITTER: Fassler M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2731747 | biostudies-literature | 2009 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature