title: Complementary medicine: evidence base, competence to practice and regulation.
abstract: This paper describes the current status and evidence base for acupuncture, homeopathy, herbal and manipulative medicine, as well as the regulatory framework within which these therapies are provided. It also explores the present role of the Royal College of Physicians' Subcommittee on Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) in relation to these developments. A number of CAM professions have encouraged the Royal College of Physicians Subcommittee to act as a reference point for their discussions with the conventional medical profession and the subcomittee believes that they are able to fulfil this function.
authors.affiliation: University of Southampton, Complementary Medicine Research Unit, Royal South Hants Hospital, Southampton. GL3@soton.ac.uk
authors.forename: George T
authors.initials: GT
authors.lastname: Lewith
authors.forename: Alan
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Breen
authors.forename: Jacqueline
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Filshie
authors.forename: Peter
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Fisher
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: McIntyre
authors.forename: Robert T
authors.initials: RT
authors.lastname: Mathie
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Peters
mesh_terms: D002983:Clinical Competence; D000529:Complementary Therapies / Q000592:standards* / Q000639:trends; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine / Q000592:standards* / Q000639:trends; D005260:Female; D005544:Forecasting; D006705:Homeopathy / Q000592:standards / Q000639:trends; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D010818:Practice Patterns, Physicians' / Q000592:standards / Q000639:trends; D006113:United Kingdom