Complementary Medicine – Prepare for the Future

by Richard Eaton

Short Summary Issue 93 October 2003

In April 2003, Hazel Blears, the Public Health Minister, announced that the government will spend £1.3 million on research into complementary medicine in a five-year programme, with a view to making it available on the NHS. In another three-year project, the Research Council for Complementary Medicine is carrying out a systematic review of literature for complementary therapies in the area of NHS priorities. The provision of complementary medicine services can be cost effective and viably integrated into the state healthcare system. The future seems to be in integrated care, which will result in enormous healthcare benefits, but will also require both complementary and conventional practitioners to adapt their training and methods. Practitioners need to prepare for anticipated changes, including:

• increased statutory regulation;
• competition;
• increased regulation of professional fees, practice ethics and procedures;
• the continuing intervention of EU institutions;
• imposition of legal and professional requirements;
• the need for pro-active and expensive marketing.

It is suggested that practitioners give consideration to:

• liaising with their respective professional organisations;
• reviewing practising procedures and compiling a dossier of evidence-based research (the author provides a list of websites that deal with research on specified treatment);
• preparing and keeping updated a comprehensive curriculum vitae;
• undertaking regularly (and keeping a record of) continuing professional development courses;
• completing appropriate accredited first aid courses;
• registering with the Criminal Records Bureau;
• checking whether you are required to be registered at the Data Protection Agency;
• using your existing client list;
• reviewing the amount of time and money that goes into marketing your practice;
• incorporating your practice as a private limited company;
• joining the Health Voice Network Forum;
• the implications for your practice in terms of integrated healthcare;
• reading up-to-date research literature;
• contacting the Health Improvement (or Promotion) Manager of your local Primary Care Trust;
• developing and promoting a speciality within your practice;
• checking your premises comply with the Disability Discrimination Act 1995.

The author also suggests forming or joining a Complementary Health Centre, to provide an administrative structure, whilst maintaining professional autonomy. He highlights that attempts to reduce the quality of client care should be avoided.