Introduction: Unconventional treatment methods, as defined by law, include acupressure, acupuncture, iris and pulse diagnostics, diet, non-traditional physical methods of mechanical, thermal or magnetic treatment. These methods can be practiced by both medical and non-medical professionals under special conditions. Their development and impact on public health depend on users` attitudes and providers` professionalism. However, most of the unconventional methods are not studied at the medical universities in Bulgaria. Therefore, the aim of the study is to research attitudes of faculty members towards the use and development of unconventional healing methods.
Materials and methods: A sociological survey was performed using a semi-structured questionnaire with 31 questions. Seventy-seven faculty members from 4 universities in Bulgaria took a part in the survey.
Results: Nearly half of the respondents (46.1%) have used unconventional treatment services. Almost all of those who used such services were satisfied in general with the treatment they received. Majority of them (55.9%) experienced an improvement. The respondents declare that the hygiene and professionals` qualification of unconventional services providers could be improved. Fifty-four percent of the respondents acknowledge and accept the relevance of unconventional treatment methods. At the same time, the respondents declare that the unconventional methods should be applied by professionals.
Conclusion: Faculty members have a positive attitude towards the unconventional treatment methods, applied by professionals. This may serve as a prerequisite for the introduction and development of academic courses as a step to the better control and quality of the unconventional treatment services, provided to the public.
