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Paediatric homoeopathy in general practice: where, when and why?
Suzie Ekins-Daukes1, Peter J Helms, Michael W Taylor
1Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, The University of Aberdeen, Polwarth Buildings, Foresterhill, Aberdeen, AB25 2ZD.
British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology
|June 14, 2005
Summary
Homoeopathic medicines are prescribed to children in primary care, mainly for self-limiting infant conditions. GPs interested in homoeopathy, with training, are more likely to prescribe it, often when conventional treatments fail.
Area of Science:
- Integrative Medicine
- Paediatric Healthcare
- General Practice Research
Background:
- Homoeopathy is a complementary therapy with varying acceptance in conventional medicine.
- Understanding its use in primary care for children is crucial for evidence-based practice.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify homoeopathic medicine prescribing for children in Scottish primary care.
- To evaluate general practitioners' (GPs) attitudes towards homoeopathic prescribing in paediatric patients.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of prescribing data for 167,865 children (0-16 years) in 161 Scottish general practices (1999-2000).
- A questionnaire survey assessed GPs' attitudes, training, and reasons for prescribing or not prescribing homoeopathy.
Main Results:
- 22% of practices prescribed homoeopathic medicines to 1.1/1000 children, primarily infants under one year for self-limiting conditions.
- Frequent prescribers showed interest, training, and positive attitudes towards homoeopathy, often using it when conventional treatments failed.
- Lack of efficacy and training were key reasons for non-prescribing, though some non-prescribers in prescribing practices were more open to future use.
Conclusions:
- Homoeopathic prescribing in primary care is concentrated among infants for common, self-limiting ailments.
- Despite low overall rates, community use indicates a need for GPs to be informed about homoeopathy's indications and preparations.