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Complementary medicine: use and attitudes among GPs
A R White1, K L Resch, E Ernst
1Department of Complementary Medicine, Postgraduate Medical School, University of Exeter, UK.
Family Practice
|August 1, 1997
Summary
Most GPs in Devon and Cornwall have engaged with complementary medicine, with many recommending therapies like acupuncture and chiropractic. A significant portion believe these should be NHS-funded.
Area of Science:
- General Practice
- Complementary Medicine
- Health Services Research
Background:
- General Practitioners' (GPs) use and attitudes toward complementary medicine (CM) are crucial for integrating it into mainstream healthcare.
- Public use of CM is notably high in England's South-West region.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of complementary medicine use and attitudes among General Practitioners (GPs).
Main Methods:
- A questionnaire survey was distributed to primary care physicians in Devon and Cornwall.
- 461 GPs responded, yielding a 47% response rate.
Main Results:
- 68% of responding GPs had recent involvement with complementary medicine.
- 16% practiced CM (homoeopathy, acupuncture most common), 25% referred patients, and 55% recommended CM.
- Acupuncture, chiropractic, and osteopathy were deemed most effective and recommended for NHS funding; 38% reported adverse effects, primarily from manipulation.
Conclusions:
- A high proportion of GPs in Devon and Cornwall (over two-thirds) reported recent engagement with complementary medicine, exceeding national averages.
- The majority of surveyed GPs consider acupuncture, chiropractic, and osteopathy effective and advocate for their inclusion in NHS funding.