title: Evaluation of a GP practice based homeopathy service.
abstract: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of a GP-led practice-based homeopathy service on symptoms, activity, wellbeing, general practice consultation rate and the use of conventional medications. Data were collected for 97 consecutive patients referred to a homeopathy service between 1 July 2002 and 23 January 2003. Self-rated symptom severity, activity limitation and wellbeing were scored on a seven-point scale at initial homeopathic consultation and via postal questionnaire at a mean follow-up time of 134 days. Primary symptoms improved by a mean of 2.49 points (95% confidence interval (CI) 2.08-2.90; P < 0.0001); secondary symptoms by 2.49 points (95% CI 2.00-2.98; P < 0.0001); ability to undertake activity by 2.43 points (95% CI 1.95-2.91; P < 0.0001) and wellbeing by 1.41 points (95% CI 1.02-1.80; P < 0.0001). Following use of the homeopathy service the mean 6-month general practice consultation rate decreased by 1.18 consultations per patient (95% CI 0.40-1.99; P = 0.004). Fifty-seven per cent of patients reduced or stopped taking their conventional medication, saving 2,807.30 Pounds per year. The main limitation of this study is the absence of a control group. The findings warrant further research including controlled studies and economic analysis.
authors.affiliation: Coventry City Primary Care Trust, Christchurch House, Greyfriars Lane, Coventry, CV1 2GQ, UK. karen.slade@doctors.org.uk
authors.forename: Karen
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Slade
authors.forename: B P
authors.initials: BP
authors.lastname: Chohan
authors.forename: Peter J
authors.initials: PJ
authors.lastname: Barker
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D016001:Confidence Intervals; D017046:Cost Savings; D003365:Costs and Cost Analysis; D016527:Drug Costs / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005194:Family Practice / Q000191:economics / Q000592:standards / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D006705:Homeopathy / Q000191:economics / Q000592:standards / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016017:Odds Ratio; D017060:Patient Satisfaction / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011788:Quality of Life; D012017:Referral and Consultation / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006113:United Kingdom