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; 
); secondary symptoms by 2.49 points (95% CI 2.00–2.98; 
); ability to undertake activity by 2.43 points (95% CI 1.95–2.91; 
) and wellbeing by 1.41 points (95% CI 1.02–1.80; 
). 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; 
). Fifty-seven per cent of patients reduced or stopped taking their conventional medication, saving £2,807.30 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.
Keywords
homeopathy - effectiveness - general practice
