Positive Health Online

Abstract

ROBINSON, Barton House, Beaminster, Dorset DT8 3EQ, UK, has analyzed the responses to homeopathic treatment in general practice.

Background

The aim of the study was to assess homeopathic consultations in NHS general practice over a 12-month study period; to analyse the conditions treated homeopathically; and to assess the responses to homeopathy prescribed in a standard 10 min GP consultation.

Methodology

Data on each homeopathic consultation over 12 months were recorded including patient details; condition/diagnosis; response score; prescribed medicine; prescribing strategy; medical specialty category. Clinical response was scored using a modified version of the Glasgow Homeopathic Hospital Outcome Scale.

Results

Over the 12-month study period, a total of 489 homeopathic consultations were conducted within the general practice. A wide variety of conditions were treated homeopathically. 78% of patients had a positive clinical response, 19% no response, 3% negative response. Analysis of the prescribing strategies demonstrated that 73% of the homeopathic prescriptions were issued using the ‘problem-based’ strategy. The remainder were ‘patient-based’ (19%), ‘context-based’ (4%) and ‘combined’ (4%) strategies.

Conclusion

This study illustrates the varied and successful application of homeopathy within the general practice setting. Response scores reveal the beneficial effects of homeopathic treatment. This study supports the use of homeopathy within NHS general practice, delivered in a 10 min consultation.

References

Robinson T. Responses to homeopathic treatment in National Health Service general practice. Homeopathy: the Journal of the Faculty of Homeopathy 95 (1): 9-14, Jan 2006.

Comment

Positive clinical responses of 78% are highly respectable results.