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Public embarrassed to ask GPs about complementary therapies

More than two thirds of patients would like to be able to discuss complementary treatment with their family doctors - but many are too embarrassed to do so.

For there is a widespread belief GP disapprove of undergoing therapies such as hypnotherapy or herbal medicines although an increasing number of practices are now providing such care.

Research by the health education charity Developing Patient Partnerships (DPP) revealed about 71 per cent of British people would like to be able to consider the option of complementary therapies and talk it over with a doctor or pharmacist.

Almost 1,000 people took part in the survey and more than half – 38 per cent of the total – feared they would encounterdisapproval from their GP. So family doctors are being urged to be more open to offering advice.

DPP spokesman Dr Terry John explained: "Patients and health professionals are crying out for more information on complementary medicine.

"It is crucial health professionals have information to hand when necessary, and likewise patients need the necessary information to make informed choices about their treatment."

However a different survey of 100 GPs showed there is still considerable reluctance by some to tackle the issue of complementary therapies.

The poll found 52 per cent of the doctors routinely questioned patients about their use of complementary medicines and therapies. In addition 47 per cent did not believe they should be the person offering information and advice on the subject.

Among the main reason for such reluctance was most doctors - some 85 per cent - felt they did not have sufficient information about the safety and efficacy of complementary medicines.

Nevertheless an overwhelming major of GPs - 70 per cent - reporting having recommended complementary medicine to their patients, despite the perceived lack of reliable information to be able to do so.

DPP has launched a new campaign - Talking About Complementary Medicine - to provide more information and encourage better communication between patients and doctors,

This was welcomed by Liberal Democrat health spokesman Paul Burstow who said: "Many people are keen to learn more about complementary medicines.

"It is essential people get clear information about how effective and safe these treatments are. People trust their local doctor to help them make these decisions.

"There should be greater access to safe and effective complementary therapies on the NHS."

Posted November 2004

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Public embarrassed to ask GPs about complementary therapies
More than two thirds of patients would like to be able to discuss complementary treatment with their family doctors - but many are too embarrassed to do so. For there is a widespread belief GP disapprove of undergoing therapies such as hypnotherapy or herbal medicines although an increasing number of practices are now providing such care.
				Research by the health education charity Developing Patient Partnerships (DPP) revealed about 71 per cent of British people would like to be able to consider the option of complementary therapies and talk it over with a doctor or pharmacist. Almost 1,000 people took part in the survey and more than half – 38 per cent of the total – feared they would encounterdisapproval from their GP. So family doctors are being urged to be more open to offering advice.
DPP spokesman Dr Terry John explained: "Patients and health professionals are crying out for more information on complementary medicine. "It is crucial health professionals have information to hand when necessary, and likewise patients need the necessary information to make informed choices about their treatment." However a different survey of 100 GPs showed there is still considerable reluctance by some to tackle the issue of complementary therapies. The poll found 52 per cent of the doctors routinely questioned patients about their use of complementary medicines and therapies. In addition 47 per cent did not believe they should be the person offering information and advice on the subject. Among the main reason for such reluctance was most doctors - some 85 per cent - felt they did not have sufficient information about the safety and efficacy of complementary medicines. Nevertheless an overwhelming major of GPs - 70 per cent - reporting having recommended complementary medicine to their patients, despite the perceived lack of reliable information to be able to do so. DPP has launched a new campaign - Talking About Complementary Medicine - to provide more information and encourage better communication between patients and doctors, This was welcomed by Liberal Democrat health spokesman Paul Burstow who said: "Many people are keen to learn more about complementary medicines. "It is essential people get clear information about how effective and safe these treatments are. People trust their local doctor to help them make these decisions. "There should be greater access to safe and effective complementary therapies on the NHS."
Posted November 2004