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Learning Objective 1: 1. understand the use of complementary and alternative therapy for patients with traumatic brain injury.
Learning Objective 2: 2. understand the perceived effectiveness of complementary and alternative therapy for patients with traumatic brain injury.
Methods: A questionnaire survey was used for this study. Data were collected in a special outpatient clinic for TBI patients in a medical center on northern Taiwan. Self-report questionnaire was used for data collection.
Results: One hundred and one TBI patients participated in this study. Sixty-three percent (n = 64) of patients used at least one type of CAM after injury. Among them, the average type of CAM used was 2.7 with a range of 1 to 12. The most popular type of CAM was Chinese medicine (n = 37), followed by folk medicine (n = 30) and special or organic diet (n = 30). The major reason for using CAM was “as a complementary medicine” (n = 26) and “belief in advantages of CAM” (n = 26). Twenty-six patients used CAM right after injury. The average started time on using CAM was 1.7 months after TBI. Fifty (78.1%) of the users did not discuss the use of CAM with medical doctors. The major reason for not discussing with medical doctor was “not necessary” (90%, n = 45). After using CAM, most patients (n = 54) felt moderate satisfactory level toward the effects. The average expense was 4,500 NT dollars (US$ 135) per month.
Conclusion: Health personnel caring for TBI patients could play a valuable part in assisting patients and caregivers. A coordinated approach to information and advice, and the assessment of risk/benefit and cost effectiveness of CAM use is needed.