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

Abstract

PurposeTo explore the professional interface between health promotion (HP) and complementary and alternative medicine.Design/methodology/approachA discussion paper, based on qualitative research involving in‐depth interviews with 52 participants from either side of the interface.FindingsThe 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/implicationsThe discussion presented is based on a small scale, qualitative study and further research is needed to explore the issues raised.Practical implicationsOne‐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/valueThe paper makes an important contribution to an area where there has so far been little professional debate.