Surveys Complementary Medicine  in the UK

In association with

A number of research studies conducted at the University of Exeter have indicated that there is a growing demand for, and usage of, Complementary Medicine (CM). A recent survey based on a large, representative sample of the British population showed that one in five individuals of the general British population use at least one type of CM within a year [1].

A survey of general practitioners in South West England [2] showed that 68% of the 461 respondents had been involved in CM in some way during the previous week. 16% practised some form of CM themselves, 25% had referred at least one patient to a CM provider and 55% had endorsed or recommended CM.

A similar study of complementary practitioners [3] suggested that CM providers have a very positive attitude towards working within the NHS. Their minimum acceptable fee varied from £20 - £60 per hour. It was extrapolated that the nationwide integration of CM into the NHS would involve considerable costs.

References:

1. Ernst E, White A. The BBC survey of complementary medicine use in the UK. Complement Ther Med 2000;8:32-36.

2. White AR, Resch KL, Ernst E. Complementary medicine: use and attitudes among GPs. Fam Pract 1997;14:302-306.

3. White A, Resch KL, Ernst E. A survey of complementary practitioners’ fees, practice, and attitude to working within the National Health Service. Complement Ther Med 1997;5:210-214.

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