In order to check the possibilities and limits of naturopathic treatment within the field of inpatient care, in January 1997 a model department of naturopathy was established at the Hospital Blankenstein, Hattingen. For a period of 3 years (starting on July 1,1999) it has been scientifically accompanied by the Chair of Medical Theory and Complementary Medicine at the University of Witten/ Herdecke.
The scientific evaluation focuses on the following question: How does a 3-week inpatient treatment with naturopathic methods effect different outcome parameters regarding a pre-post comparison and a half-year follow-up?
A prospective observation study with 4 defined times of measurement (hospitalization, discharge, 3 and 6 months after the end of the inhospital stay) and an analysis of the subgroups of patients with rheumatic diseases. The data of 1026 patients of the department of naturopathy were considered, who have been treated because of rheumatic diseases, metabolic diseases, chronic-bronchial diseases and allergic discomforts from July 1, 1999 to December 13, 2000. The mean value of age was 57.3 years, the median 58.5 years. 69.4% of the patients were capable of gainful employment (17-65 years). The patients were treated with classical naturopathic methods (hydrotherapy, phytotherapy), individually adapted to the patient's situation. Outcome parameters were quality of life (measured with the HLQ and the SF-36), mood (measured with the Bf-S), physical complaints (measured with the GBB24) and pain perception (measured with the SES) of the patient.
All subscales as well as the total scores of the psychometric test instruments showed highly significant changes (t test, p < 0.01) between the time 'hospitalization' and 'discharge'. Within the follow-up these values were stabilized on a level significantly higher than the initial level. Patients with rheumatic diseases showed a profile different from that of patients with similar diseases.
The results show a stabilization of the patients within the follow-up, which proves the long-lasting effect of naturopathic treatment. This is of special importance for the section of naturopathy, where the temporal dimension of treatment plays an important role and it is often asserted that therapeutical effects can above all be recognized in the long term.