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Perspectives of Family Medicine Physicians and Licensed Acupuncture Clinicians on Caring for Persons With Unexplained Chronic Fatigue

200 Hawkins Drive, 01290-F PFP, Iowa City, IA 52242, jeanette-daly{at}uiowa.edu

Arthur J. Hartz, MD, PhD

Department of Family Medicine at the University of Iowa

Unexplained chronic fatigue (UCF) is a poorly understood condition with little known about its etiology and treatment. A wide range of health care providers, including physicians, nurse practitioners, and complementary and alternative medical practitioners, offer services for persons with UCF. This study explored perspectives of family medicine physicians and licensed acupuncture clinicians with experience in treating patients with UCF, regarding their treatment regimens and perceived success at improving their patients' energy and coping with symptoms. A sample of 141 family medicine physicians and licensed acupuncturists was surveyed via a questionnaire; 48 returned the completed questionnaire. Clinicians reported treating from 3 to 375 patients with UCF. Family physicians provided more conventional methods, and licensed acupuncturists provided alternative treatments. The reported success of the licensed acupuncturists at improving energy and stamina and helping patients cope with fatigue was significantly higher than that of the family physicians. Implications for future research are discussed.

Key Words: unexplained chronic fatigue • treatment • complementary and alternative medicine

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Complementary Health Practice Review, Vol. 12, No. 3, 196-202 (2007)
DOI: 10.1177/1533210107306842


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This Article Abstract Free Full Text (Free PDF) Free Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Citation Map Services Email this article to a friend Similar articles in this journal Alert me to new issues of the journal Add to Saved Citations Download to citation manager Request Permissions Request Reprints Add to My Marked Citations Citing Articles Citing Articles via Google Scholar Citing Articles via Scopus Google Scholar Articles by Daly, J. M. Articles by Hartz, A. J. Search for Related Content Social Bookmarking                         What's this?