Research in Homeopathy, Is homeopathy cost effective?

7. Is homeopathy cost effective?

Sceptics have argued that homeopathy is a relative luxury that a cash-strapped NHS cannot afford. The NHS will always juggle competing priorities and there will never be sufficient resources to meet all healthcare needs. However, homeopathic medicines are relatively inexpensive and the available evidence suggests that homeopathy has the potential to generate savings through reduced conventional prescribing and demand for other services.

There is little robust data on the cost-effectiveness of complementary medicine including homeopathy. Full-scale economic evaluation has not taken place, largely because of the huge resources that would be involved to do so. Nevertheless, studies have shown that the purchase costs of orthodox drugs and procedures fell after the introduction of homeopathy.⁷⁴,⁷⁵,⁷⁶ Moreover, a comparative study has suggested that homeopathic management of children with recurrent upper respiratory tract infections was more cost-effective than conventional management.⁷⁷ Another study concluded that homeopathy might be able to reduce the need for antibiotics in children with acute otitis media.⁷⁸

In an extensive survey of 500 out-patients attending the Royal London Homoeopathic Hospital, patients were asked whether they had been using conventional medication for their main health problem when they started homeopathic treatment, and whether they were still using it afterwards.⁷³ 262 patients had been using conventional medication when they first went to the hospital, but since receiving homeopathic treatment, 76 (29%) had stopped, and 84 (32%) had decreased their usage. Of the other patients, 87 (33%) were using the same amount, and 15 (6%) had increased their medication. The biggest benefits were amongst patients attending for musculo-skeletal, skin and podiatry, genito-urinary, neurological and respiratory conditions. The experience at Glasgow Homoeopathic Hospital is similar: the downward and costly spiral of specialist opinions and investigations for many patients in conventional care can often be interrupted when a whole person approach, using homoeopathy as the first choice therapy, is adopted.⁴⁷

GPs who use homeopathy are less likely to prescribe antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, and painkillers than other GPs. Given that the cost per homeopathic item is typically Ł3.00-4.00, homeopathy has the potential to generate considerable savings in the prescribing budget. This view is supported by recently published data from one such homeopathic GP, where costs of homeopathic prescribing were compared with conventional drugs prescribing.⁷⁹ Data were collected for four years on all patients who were treated homeopathically. Costs of homeopathic remedies and costs of conventional drugs which otherwise would be prescribed for these patients were calculated for the total duration of treatment. One hundred patients were included in the study. Average cost savings were Ł60 per patient. The majority of patients' health improved and most did not report any side-effects.

		7. Is homeopathy cost effective?
		Sceptics have argued that homeopathy is a relative luxury that a cash-strapped NHS cannot afford. The NHS will always juggle competing priorities and there will never be sufficient resources to meet all healthcare needs. However, homeopathic medicines are relatively inexpensive and the available evidence suggests that homeopathy has the potential to generate savings through reduced conventional prescribing and demand for other services. There is little robust data on the cost-effectiveness of complementary medicine including homeopathy. Full-scale economic evaluation has not taken place, largely because of the huge resources that would be involved to do so. Nevertheless, studies have shown that the purchase costs of orthodox drugs and procedures fell after the introduction of homeopathy.⁷⁴,⁷⁵,⁷⁶ Moreover, a comparative study has suggested that homeopathic management of children with recurrent upper respiratory tract infections was more cost-effective than conventional management.⁷⁷ Another study concluded that homeopathy might be able to reduce the need for antibiotics in children with acute otitis media.⁷⁸ In an extensive survey of 500 out-patients attending the Royal London Homoeopathic Hospital, patients were asked whether they had been using conventional medication for their main health problem when they started homeopathic treatment, and whether they were still using it afterwards.⁷³ 262 patients had been using conventional medication when they first went to the hospital, but since receiving homeopathic treatment, 76 (29%) had stopped, and 84 (32%) had decreased their usage. Of the other patients, 87 (33%) were using the same amount, and 15 (6%) had increased their medication. The biggest benefits were amongst patients attending for musculo-skeletal, skin and podiatry, genito-urinary, neurological and respiratory conditions. The experience at Glasgow Homoeopathic Hospital is similar: the downward and costly spiral of specialist opinions and investigations for many patients in conventional care can often be interrupted when a whole person approach, using homoeopathy as the first choice therapy, is adopted.⁴⁷ GPs who use homeopathy are less likely to prescribe antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, and painkillers than other GPs. Given that the cost per homeopathic item is typically Ł3.00-4.00, homeopathy has the potential to generate considerable savings in the prescribing budget. This view is supported by recently published data from one such homeopathic GP, where costs of homeopathic prescribing were compared with conventional drugs prescribing.⁷⁹ Data were collected for four years on all patients who were treated homeopathically. Costs of homeopathic remedies and costs of conventional drugs which otherwise would be prescribed for these patients were calculated for the total duration of treatment. One hundred patients were included in the study. Average cost savings were Ł60 per patient. The majority of patients' health improved and most did not report any side-effects.		Table of contents Homeopathy: the great debate Clinical research in homeopathy Veterinary homeopathy Issues and controversies Mechanism of action Is homeopathy safe? Is homeopathy cost effective? BHA/Faculty’s research strategy References Research discussion forum C O N T A C T U S S I T E M A P H O M E
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