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Complementary therapy: complement or threat to modern medicine?

Department of Continuing Care Nursing, Canterbury Christ Church University College, Canterbury,Kent CT1 1QU

S. Holmes

Centre for Nursing Research and Practice Development, Canterbury Christ Church University College, Canterbury, Kent CT1 1 QU

Some believe that medicine has lost its holistic perspective as a result of which many people now seek help from 'alternative' practitioners who seem able to devote time to their patients and listen to their concerns. Such practitioners also treat the 'whole person' rather than only their symptoms, a feature which seems to be valued by patients. The use of complementary therapies is, therefore, increasing world-wide.

This paper explores this increase, questioning whether this truly reflects dissatisfaction with 'traditional' (allopathic) medicine or rather represents an increased satisfaction with 'alternative' therapies. It also investigates the use of such therapies in mainstream medicine revealing considerable variation in attitudes towards and use

of such therapies in current medical practice questioning whether this should be seen as a threat to modem medicine or their use may enhance patient well-being and quality of life.

Key Words: Complementary medicine • alternative medicine • patient well-being • patient satisfaction • health care

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