Direct integrative practice, time constraints and reactive strategy: An examination of GP therapists’ perceptions of their complementary medicine

Abstract

There has been a movement towards integrating complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) into the NHS and a growing number of general practitioners (GPs) are personally practising CAM to treat their NHS patients (direct integrative practice). While research has begun to examine DIP, time constraints and related issues – of importance not only to practitioners but also to those purchasing and planning health care – have not yet received in depth attention. In response this paper examines GP therapists’ experiences of the clinical reality of their DIP. The analysis reveals how a lack of time is perceived by GP therapists as a serious constraint upon their CAM practice and also how they employ a number of strategies in an attempt to overcome such difficulties.

Citation

Adams, J. (2001), "Direct integrative practice, time constraints and reactive strategy: An examination of GP therapists’ perceptions of their complementary medicine", Journal of Management in Medicine, Vol. 15 No. 4, pp. 312-323. https://doi.org/10.1108/EUM0000000005921