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

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.