Health promotion and complementary medicine: the extent and future of professional collaboration and integration

Abstract

Purpose

To explore the professional interface between health promotion (HP) and complementary and alternative medicine.

Design/methodology/approach

A discussion paper, based on qualitative research involving in‐depth interviews with 52 participants from either side of the interface.

Findings

The current interface is predominantly limited to information exchange but there are innovative examples of partnership working on both sides. Key determinants of future collaboration include: the changing nature of both HP and complementary medicine; the place of science and biomedicine; the role of the individual; and perceptions of health, holism and spirituality. There is a perceived need for professional training and development in the area.

Research limitations/implications

The discussion presented is based on a small scale, qualitative study and further research is needed to explore the issues raised.

Practical implications

One‐third of the public in the UK now use complementary medicine and this paper explores ways in which HP may respond to this development.

Originality/value

The paper makes an important contribution to an area where there has so far been little professional debate.

Citation

Hill, F. (2006), "Health promotion and complementary medicine: the extent and future of professional collaboration and integration", Health Education, Vol. 106 No. 4, pp. 281-293. https://doi.org/10.1108/09654280610673463