PCT Survey 1:
Pilot Study of the Provision of Homeopathy by PCTs
Results for those PCTs providing homeopathy
Question A: How can a patient access such treatment?
Of the 4 PCTs which provide homeopathy, all provide access through GPs or Consultants. However some of those PCTs stating that they do not provide homeopathy also stated that it was available from GPs themselves or through a committee assessing individual cases. Taking into account the information about access from all the PCTs surveyed
7 PCTs (26.9%) actually provide homeopathy, of which:• 4 through referrals (15.4%)
• 3 through direct prescription by GPs (11.5%)
12 PCTs (46.2%) provide homeopathy only through a special committee assessing individual cases.1 PCT (3.8%) does not appear to provide homeopathy in any circumstances.5 PCTs (19.2%) provided no information about access.
This pilot study ... based on responses from 7% of PCTs ... has clearly exposed weaknesses in the approach to decision-making about the provision of homeopathy in the NHS.
Question B: If access is controlled by the patient’s GP, what procedures exist to make sure that GPs are competent to take this decision?
Taking into account all 7 PCTs which provide homeopathy through direct prescription or referral:
In 6 PCTs (85.7%) practitioners monitor their own competenceIn 1 PCT (14.3%) no information was provided about monitoringQuestion C: What guidelines are provided to enable GPs who do not meet this level of competence to make informed decisions about homeopathic treatment?
Taking into account all 7 PCTs which provide homeopathy through direct prescription or referral:
2 PCTs (28.6%) provide guidelines2 PCTs (28.6%) provide no guidelines1 PCT (14.3%) stated that the question was “not applicable”2 PCTs provide no informationQuestion D: What procedures exist to compare outcomes and costs of homeopathic treatment with other forms of treatment?
Taking into account all 7 PCTs which provide homeopathy through direct prescription or referral:
6 PCTs (85.7%) do not monitor clinical or cost effectiveness1 PCT (14.3%) provided no information about monitoring.
Question A: Of 26 PCTs ...
7 PCTs (26.9%) actually provide homeopathy ...
12 PCTs (46.2%) provide homeopathy only through a special committee.
Question D: Of 7 PCTs ...
6 PCTs (85.7%) do not monitor clinical or cost effectiveness.
