Complementary Medicine and Acupuncture and Infertility

Complementary and Alternative Medicine and Fertility Treatment

Patient Attitudes and Usage Survey Results

Patricia M. StullVice President , Strategic Development

Shady Grove Fertility Centers

Research and Survey Partners

Complementary MedicineRefers to using CM together with conventional

medicine. Most use of CAM by Americans is complementary.

Alternative MedicineRefers to use of CAM in place of conventional

medicine. Integrative or Integrated Medicine

Combines treatments from conventional medicine and CAM for which there is some high-quality evidence of safety and effectiveness.

Important Definitions

What Is Included Under the Complementary and Alternative Treatment Umbrella?

Patient Survey Methods

Shady Grove Fertility, Resolve & Attain Fertility

Prospective, Current and Past Patients

Used email and social media to promote survey

701 responses

Additional Patient Survey Via Pulling Down the Moon

81 responses

Complementary and Alternative Medicine and Fertility TreatmentPatient Attitudes and Usage Survey Results 10/21/12

Who Responded: By Age

18-24 25-34 35-44 45-55 Older than 550

100

200

300

400

4

275

357

40

1

677 out of 701 respondents


Who Responded: Ethnicity

73% 14%

6%

5%1%1%

CaucasianAfrican AmericanAsianHispanicMiddle EasternOther



86% earned College or Graduate Degree

3%10%

36%

50%

2%

High School DegreeSome CollegeCollege DegreeGraduate DegreeOther



62% Reported Household Income of $100K plus

<$50,000 $50,000 - $74,999

$75,000 - $99,999

$100,000 -

$124,999

$125,000 -

$149,999

$150,000 -

$199,999

$200,000+

0

25

50

75

100

125



Who Responded: Fertility Status13%

5%

50%

25%

7%

Trying to Conceive NaturallyIn treatment with an OB/GYN or PCPIn treatment at a Fertility CenterSuccessfully Completed Treatment (had a baby)Stopped Treatment



What CAM Have You Used for General Health?

Vitam

ins

Die

t/Nutr

itio

n

Acupunct

ure

Yoga

Mas

sage

Her

bs

Counse

ling /

Gro

up Suppor

t

Oth

er0

100

200

300

400




2 out of 3survey respondents have used

CAM specifically to improve their fertility


Which CAM have you used to improve fertility?

Vitam

ins

Die

t/Nutr

itio

n

Acupunct

ure

Yoga

Mas

sage

Her

bs

Counse

ling /

Gro

up Suppor

t

Oth

er0

100

200

300

400

449 out of 484 respondentsComplementary and Alternative Medicine and Fertility TreatmentPatient Attitudes and Usage Survey Results 10/21/12

Type of CAM Used for General Health vs. Fertility

0%

25%

50%

75%

100%General Health Fertility



69%thought CAM treatment

helped them reduce stress & relax

33% of respondents believe CAM treatment

helped them conceive

49%say CAM treatment

gave them a sense of control

10%didn’t think CAM

treatment provided any benefits


64% of Patients Self-Referred to Their CAM Provider

64%

21%

11%

4% Self/OnlineFriendDoctorNurse



180 out of 217 respondents answered

83%survey respondents said they would be

MORE LIKELYto pursue CAM treatment if recommended by their

physician or nurseComplementary and Alternative Medicine and Fertility TreatmentPatient Attitudes and Usage Survey Results 10/21/12

How long have you been in using CAM?

1 month or less 2-4 months 5-6 months 6 months or more0

50

100

150

200



What is preventing you from seeking CAM?

38%

27%

17%

9%

6%3%

Not covered by insurance/costSkeptical it will workUnsure how to evaluate a providerNot recommended by my physicianConcerned about an adverse affectInconvenient



Optimal location for your CAM provider?

69%

20%

11%

Close to HomeClose to WorkIn or near my doctor's office



Additional Survey Responses

Pulling Down the Moon also shared a modified survey with active clients

82 respondents Similar demographic group as previous respondents Additional questions offered new insights


How Did CAM Impact on Your Fertility Treatment?

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%



How Important Are the Following Criteria?

Specialized training in fertility care

Medical, scientific or professional credibility

All-inclusive center

Spa-like Environment

0 1 2 3 4 5



In Summary

Increasing reliance on self-care and wellness will raise usage of CAM therapies over the next decade.

Integrating CAM services into the REI practice can help reduce stress for patients enabling them to complete a course of treatment instead of dropping out due to emotional exhaustion.

Finding the right ‘fit’ and developing coordinated and evolving communication systems is a fundamental key to integration.

A united front among medical and CAM providers will maximize patient support and satisfaction.

Patty [email protected]

Shady Grove Fertility Centerswww.shadygrovefertility.com

Pulling Down the Moonwww.pullingdownthemoon.com

Resolvewww.resolve.org

Attain Fertilitywww.attainfertility.com

To Learn More About Complementary or Alternative Medicine for Fertility Treatment

mailto:[email protected]

http://www.shadygrovefertility.com/

http://www.shadygrovefertility.com/

http://www.pullingdownthemoon.com/

http://www.resolve.org/

http://www.attainfertility.com/

Health & Medicine

Complementary Medicine and Acupuncture and Infertility