eMJA: Promoting evidence-based non-drug interventions: time for a non-pharmacopoeia?

Editorials

Promoting evidence-based non-drug interventions: time for a non-pharmacopoeia?

Paul P Glasziou

MJA 2009; 191 (2): 52-53

A compilation of effective non-drug treatments could help increase their uptake in clinical practice

In 2004, the Journal published a randomised controlled trial of graded exercise for chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS).1 As with several similar trials, this trial found that graded exercise was an effective intervention. But what is graded exercise? In response to numerous emails from both doctors and CFS patients who wanted further details of the exercise program, the authors of the study published a second article that provided the additional “how to” details and addressed different scenarios.2 I now keep the pdf file of this second article on my general practice computer to give to, and discuss with, CFS patients. The difficulties in accessing information on this simple, non-drug intervention are in stark contrast to the helpful tools available for prescribing pharmaceuticals: formularies, prescription pads, and pharmacies.

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