Open AccessTowards Quality in Complementary Health Care: is the German “Heilpraktiker” a Model for Complementary Practitioners?
Author(s) -
E Ernst
Publication year - 1996
Publication title -
international journal for quality in health care
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.769
H-Index - 94
eISSN - 1464-3677
pISSN - 1353-4505
DOI - 10.1093/intqhc/8.2.187
Subject(s) - german , popularity , quality (philosophy) , health care , complementary medicine , computer science , medicine , psychology , alternative medicine , political science , epistemology , history , law , philosophy , social psychology , pathology , archaeology
Complementary medicine is increasing in popularity. In most countries its practice is in the hands of non-medically trained practitioners, professions which are often not properly regulated. When discussing solutions to this problem the German "Heilpraktiker" is often mentioned. The history and present situation of this profession are briefly outlined. The reasons why the "Heilpraktiker concept" is not an optimal solution are discussed. It is concluded that the best way forward consists of regulation and filling the considerable gaps in knowledge relating to complementary medicine.
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