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Homeopathy 2004; 93(02): 63-70
DOI: 10.1016/j.homp.2004.02.005
Original Paper
Copyright © The Faculty of Homeopathy 2004

Evaluation of a GP practice based homeopathy service

Karen Slade
1   Karen Slade, Coventry City Primary Care Trust, Christchurch House, Greyfriars Lane, Coventry, CV1 2GQ, UK
,
BPS Chohan
2   Forum Health Centre, 1A Farren Road, Coventry CV2 5EP, UK
,
Peter J Barker
1   Karen Slade, Coventry City Primary Care Trust, Christchurch House, Greyfriars Lane, Coventry, CV1 2GQ, UK
› Author Affiliations
Subject Editor:
Further Information

Publication History

Received21 August 2003
revised13 January 2004

accepted02 February 2004

Publication Date:
19 December 2017 (online)

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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
 

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