Integrated Health Care: Consumer Use and Attitudes

An important cultural shift is occurring in the U.S., reflected by the increased appreciation for the values of nature, tradition, community, spirituality and personal responsibility. While this changing paradigm is reverberating throughout many aspects of society, its effects on the health care system are significant. This has manifested in the emergence of holistic medical therapies, such as acupuncture, herbal supplements, hypnosis and chiropractic care into popular health care culture. These therapies, once outside the status quo, are becoming more mainstream.

Integrated Health Care: Consumer Usage and Attitudes analyzes the results of The Hartman Group recent national study on consumer use of, and perspectives towards these health care modalities. The title reflects the belief that alternative, complementary alternative or unconventional medicine is not just a distinct phenomenon occurring in isolation, but a health care field which can potentially be integrated with and practice alongside conventional medicine.

In addition to reporting on the general population's use of and perspectives on alternative medicine, Integrated Health Care: Consumer Usage and Attitudes reveals the identification of distinct population segments and their unique adoption of alternative medicine. Through a cluster analysis statistical model which stratified the population based upon their usage of 26 different health care modalities, 9 distinct population segments were identified. By understanding these clusters, their demographic and psychographic characteristics, and their usage of and attitudes towards alternative medicine and integrated health care, those involved in the health care field will be able to more effectively communicate with and educate target populations.