Good medicine and bad medicine: science to promote the convergence of "alternative" and orthodox medicine.

Abstract

A complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) system divorced from scientific medicine means that patients can only benefit from the best of both systems by dividing their care. Science must be used to stimulate convergence of complementary and traditional healthcare. First class research to examine the more interesting claims of the alternative health industry is essential to broaden the range of therapeutic options available, while minimising fraudulent, ill-informed and sometimes dangerous practices. Mutual respect and interest between orthodox and alternative practitioners is appropriate, but there can be no compromise involving unscientific approaches to care. Health departments must play a greater role in stopping fraudulent claims being publicised, and in warning consumers about such claims.