We investigate the experiences and perspectives of users of a public hospital-based service of acupuncture located in the Northwest region of Argentina. In 2005 we interviewed 18 patients. They use acupuncture for chronic conditions, mostly to alleviate pain-- although several extended its use over time to treat other health problems-because of the limited efficacy experienced with biomedicine and the adverse effects of medications, or to avoid surgical interventions. They incorporate acupuncture into pluralistic health care strategies, which in addition to biomedicine typically include other unconventional medicines. The hospital context facilitates the use of an alternative medicine, and some patients find in the service guidance to "negotiate" treatments with conventional physicians. The organizational efficiency and the doctors' commitment to their work were highly valued. Due to the increasing demand for treatments in a context of scarce resources, patients worry that the availability of appointments and doctor-patient interactions may be affected.
Complementary and alternative medicine; Integrative medicine; Acupuncture; Public health sector