Table 3 Use of placebo interventions and the question whether the participants view the respective intervention as placebo intervention
From: Use of placebo interventions among Swiss primary care providers
N | . I have already used | . I have not used so far | N | ... is not a placebo intervention. | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Positive suggestions | 180 | 146 (81%) | 34 (19%) | 197 | 62 (32%) |
Simple ointments and/or bandages for contusions without visible skin damages | 181 | 137 (76%) | 44 (24%) | 197 | 52 (27%) |
„Sugar pills” | 196 | 14 (7%) | 182 (93%) | 197 | 3 (2%) |
Injections with saline solution | 198 | 20 (10%) | 178 (90%) | 199 | 4 (2%) |
Therapies without pharmacological or physical efficacy for the patient's conditions (e.g. vitamins or antibiotics without approved indication) | 195 | 119 (61%) | 76 (39%) | 196 | 12 (6%) |
Diagnostic practices: | |||||
• non-essential physical examinations of the patient | 193 | 171 (89%) | 22 (11%) | 200 | 38 (19%) |
• non-essential technical examinations of the patient without relevant risks (e.g. ultrasound, MRI) | 195 | 134 (69%) | 61 (31%) | 197 | 24 (12%) |
• non-essential technical examinations of the patient with relevant risks (e.g. computed tomography) | 192 | 59 (31)% | 133 (69%) | 195 | 21 (11%) |