Reflections
Complementary therapies
Volume 198 - Issue 1

Empowering patients while safeguarding them

Author:  Patrizia Boetto

Med J Aust 2013; 198 (1): 57. || doi: 10.5694/mja11.10446
Published online: 21 January 2013
General practice: the integrative approach. Kerryn Phelps, Craig Hassed. Sydney: Churchill Livingstone, 2011 (xxiii + 993 pp, $150.00). ISBN 9780729538046. COMPLEMENTARY MEDICINES and practices are widely available to, and used by, the Australian public. Until now, there has not been a framework to integrate this into safe, evidence-based medical practice. We needed a book of this calibre.Both authors are leaders in the field of ...
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General practice: the integrative approach.
Kerryn Phelps, Craig Hassed. Sydney: Churchill Livingstone, 2011 (xxiii + 993 pp, $150.00). ISBN 9780729538046.
COMPLEMENTARY MEDICINES and practices are widely available to, and used by, the Australian public. Until now, there has not been a framework to integrate this into safe, evidence-based medical practice. We needed a book of this calibre.

Both authors are leaders in the field of integrative medicine with years of experience, and both are academics, as well as being well known in the public arena.

They have collaborated with a wide variety of health professionals, and their combined expertise brings a depth and breadth of knowledge to this work.

The first section of the book discusses the foundations and principles of integrative medicine as well as providing a valuable legal perspective. The role of nutrition, lifestyle, exercise, stress management, sleep, mind–body medicine, herbal medicine, acupuncture and other modalities are discussed.

The second section takes a systems-based approach to medical conditions. Current best practice is outlined and suggestions are given for incorporating other modalities to the treatment protocol based on evidence and solid clinical experience. In some cases the section formalises what we already know and do.

Ultimately, it is about what works best for our patients. Useful resources and references are provided at the end of each chapter. The busy general practitioner is given practical advice for incorporating some of the principles of integrative medicine into the consultation.

This book bridges the gap between current best medical practice and what patients are already doing in a way that safeguards and empowers them.

It is well referenced without being burdensome. The layout is particularly pleasing as it enables one to turn to a section and grasp the key concepts quickly. A fully searchable e-book is included with the price, which is on par with comparable textbooks on general practice.

Author

  • Patrizia Boetto1
  • 1. Melbourne Integrative Medicine, Melbourne Vic.
View this article on Wiley Online Library

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