Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) in the United Kingdom Education, Practice and Research

Abstract

This chapter provides details of aspects of complementary and alternative medicines (CAMs) in the United Kingdom (UK). It begins with an overview of the geography and demographics of the population and briefly outlines the UK health system. It should be noted that the focus of this chapter is limited to the specific CAMs that have been reported to be most prevalent in the UK. Further information regarding laws and regulations governing the practice and supply, as well as details of costs, is provided for these specific CAMs only. This chapter also provides a description of education and training available in the UK, with explicit reference to undergraduate courses for healthcare professionals.

The chapter ends with a summary of the CAM literature, including reported effectiveness and safety evidence and investigations capturing the perceptions, attitudes and behaviours of relevant stakeholders.