Will the GP commissioner role make a difference? Exploratory findings from a pilot project offering complementary...

The paper focuses on the interprofessional relationships which developed between general practitioners (GPs) and complementary practitioners (CPs) during a pilot project where GPs referred to acupuncturists, osteopaths and chiropractors. It is based on interviews with GPs and CPs, that took place at the beginning and end of an evaluative study on patients referred with musculoskelal conditions. Referrals to hospital orthopaedic outpatients departments and pain clinics were also examined. The most common relationship that developed was where the GP delegated responsibility for treatment to the CP. One CP and GP developed a more interactive relationship which included a shared diagnostic role. The NHS reforms offer opportunities for different types of working relationships to develop between health professionals. They also offer opportunities for professionals who have not traditionally worked in the NHS to do so. The findings discussed here are exploratory. Further research to identify the types of relationships developing between CPs and GPs and to establish whether the type of relationship has an impact on secondary referrals and treatment outcomes is recommended.