I feel treated seriously
German patients are significantly more satisfied with alternative practitioners than with doctors,
as a survey of more than 1,000 people revealed.
“Do you feel you’re being treated well?” therapy researchers at Fresenius University asked more than 1,000 people in a study on the quality of care in Germany: What do they expect from doctors, therapists, and alternative practitioners? How satisfied are they actually with their care? On a ten-point scale, the average overall rating for alternative practitioners was 8.8, for doctors 7.5, and for other therapists 8.5.
“Did the treatment improve your quality of life?” On this aspect as well, alternative practitioners achieved a significantly higher average score of 8.0 than doctors (5.7). Other therapists scored 7.4.
The very good results for the alternative practitioners surprised us,” says the study director, Prof. Dr. Sabine Hammer. “We assume that factors such as communication, time, and a holistic approach play a major role, as does the fact that people generally pay for visits to alternative practitioners out of their own pockets. Alternative practitioners better fulfill the need for attention and individualized care, which is often neglected in medical care,” said Prof. Hammer. While an appointment with a naturopath lasts about 60 minutes, doctors spend an average of 7.5 minutes per patient. According to a survey of approximately 5,500 doctors, virtually all are aware of this shortcoming: 96% admit that time pressure affects the quality of treatment; one in four experiences this “frequently.”
The Fresenius survey was based on 1,019 valid questionnaires: 559 regarding doctors, 124 regarding alternative practitioners, and 336 regarding therapists. The researchers note the following limitations: 88 percent of the sample was female, the group sizes varied considerably, and participation was based on self-selection. Furthermore, they suspect that people who consult alternative practitioners already have a comparatively more positive attitude toward them.
Previous studies had already consistently shown high patient satisfaction with alternative practitioners. In an extensive survey, the German Association German Association of Alternative Practitioners (BDH) in 2020/21 analyzed approximately 3,400 questionnaires from 170 alternative practitioners’ practices. According to the results, 87.2% rated their alternative practitioners as very empathetic, 90% as very trustworthy, and 88.2% rated their overall impression as very good.
How do naturopaths specializing in psychotherapy fare specifically? In an online survey, 2,332 clients praised them for “approachability” and “empathy” more than psychological or medical psychotherapists.
P.S.: Several dozen alternative practitioners belong to the therapist network of the AUSWEGE Foundation—others are welcome to join. At every AUSWEGE therapy camp, several of them participate, providing counseling and treatment. They, too, are highly praised by those seeking help.
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