AMA adopts progressive policy on complementary medicine
The AMA has formally adopted a new progressive policy on complementary medicine to reflect its growing usage in the broader community.
AMA President, Dr Kerryn Phelps, said today that GPs are now seeing more and more patients who are using complementary medicines.
"For the best possible health outcomes, it is important that doctors and patients are fully informed on the health claims of these medicines and alert to any possible side effects when used with prescribed medications," Dr Phelps said.
"When patients visit their GP, they should discuss all medicines they have been using - mainstream or complementary - to assist the doctor in advising treatment for any condition.
"It is important to avoid situations where treatments may work against each other.
"In the interests of best practice patient care, it is vital that all complementary medicines - like any medicines - are backed by solid evidence as to their safety, quality and efficacy.
"Evidence is the key to a constructive and forward-looking joint approach involving both mainstream and complementary practitioners.
"Acupuncture, massage and even hypnosis and meditation have been adopted as therapies by Australian GPs.
"Where there is evidence, there is acceptance.
"Doctors need to be informed about potential benefits and potential adverse effects of complementary medicines and therapies to promote open discussion with patients, which leads to informed choices for doctors and patients.
"It is important that doctors are supplied with detailed evidence-based information on complementary medicines in the same way they are informed about mainstream medicines and therapies," Dr Phelps said.
In its 2002-03 Federal Budget Submission the AMA is calling on the Government to provide $1million in research funding to evaluate potential benefits and adverse effects of complementary medicines and therapies.
The AMA Complementary Medicine Position Statement is available on the AMA website.
CONTACT: John Flannery (02) 6270 5477 / (0419) 494 761