Complementary Medicine

This volume provides a balanced and even-handed review of the evidence and assesses the claims of both advocates and critics of complementary medicine. It draws the empirical literature together and examines the effectiveness of complementary medicine for both patients and practitioners by providing an overview of the major alternative therapies, together with their methods and philosophies; explaining the appeal of complementary medicine to patients; investigating its relationship with the medical profession; analysing methods of evaluation and the role of placebo effects; reviewing the evidence for each of the major therapies; and seeking out a research agenda for the future.Dieses Buch bietet einen Überblick über das wachsende Gebiet alternativer Heilmethoden wie Homöopathie, Osteopathie, Aromatherapie, Akupunktur, Pflanzenmedizin und andere Ansätze und deren zunehmende Bedeutung für den Berufsalltag des Mediziners. Ein kritischer, ausgeglichener Überblick über die aktuelle Literatur in einem Band - praxisnah und gut zugänglich aufbereitet für Heilpraktiker und verwandte Heilberufe. Theories and Therapies.

Pathways to Complementary Medicine.

The Use of Complementary Medicine.

Complementary Medicine and the Medical Profession.

Knowledge, Attitudes and Beliefs of Patients of Complementary Practitioners.

Consultations with Orthodox and Complementary Practitioners.

The Placebo Effect in Orthodox and Complementary Medicine.

Research Methods and Research Problems in Complementary Medicine.

The Quality of Medical Information and the Evaluation of Acupuncture, Osteopathy and Chiropractic.

Evaluation of Herbalism, Homeopathy and Naturopathy.

Adverse Effects of Orthodox and Complementary Medicine.

A Research Agenda.

References.

Index. Aus dem Inhalt:
Theories and Therapies;
Pathways to Complementary Medicine;
The Use of Complementary Medicine;
Complimentary Medicine and the Medical Profession;
Knowledge, Attitudes and Beliefs of Patients of Complementary Practitioners;
Consultations with Orthodox and Complementary Practitioners;
The Placebo Effect in Orthodox and Complementary Medicine;
Research Methods and Research Problems in Complementary Medicine;
The Quality of Medical Information and the Evaluation of Acupuncture, Osteopathy and Chiropractice;
Evaluation of Herbalism, Homeopathy and Naturopathy, Adverse Effects of Orthodox and Complementary Medicine;
A Research Agenda. "The strength of this book is its psychological side." (Medicine, Health Care and Philosophy: A European Journal, 1999)

Charles Vincent, Professor of Clinical Safety Research Imperial College London, Director National Institute for Health Research Centre for Patient Safety and Service, Quality, Imperial College Healthcare Trust.

Adrian Furnham is Professor of Psychology at University College, London, UK. He is on the editorial board of a number of journals, has received many awards, and is recognized as the most productive psychologist in the world. He is the author of over 800 journal articles and more than 60 books, including successful, popular management books. He acts as a consultant to a number of multinational corporations. He has written regular columns in The Financial Times, Daily Telegraph and Sunday Times and is a frequent contributor to BBC radio and television.

Complementary, or alternative, medicine is now widely used in the developed world. It encompasses an enormous range of diagnostic techniques and therapies, many of which are highly valued by both patients and practitioners. Critics of complementary medicine point to the lack of supporting evidence and suggest a variety of dangers and adverse effects. This volume provides a balanced and even-handed review of the evidence and assesses the claims of both advocates and critics. Complementary Medicine: A Research Perspective draws the empirical literature together and examines the effectiveness of complementary medicine for both patients and practitioners by:
* Providing an overview of the major alternative therapies, together with their methods and philosophies

* Explaining the appeal of complementary medicine to patients

* Investigating its relationship with the medical profession

* Analysing methods of evaluation and the role of placebo effects

* Reviewing the evidence for each of the major therapies

* Setting out a research agenda for the future
This timely volume is essential reading for both complementary practitioners and those in the orthodox health professions, including GPs, hospital doctors, nurses, and physiotherapists, as well as medical and social scientists.