Exploring the effectiveness of homeopathic treatment for irritable bowel syndrome

Abstract

Aims: This study had two aims: to explore the effectiveness of homeopathic treatment compared to usual care, and to investigate the feasibility of carrying out a study comparing homeopathic treatment to an attention control Background: Irritable bowel syndrome is a common chronic complaint which has a significant impact on people's quality of life. Despite much research there is no consensus on the optimal treatment for IBS and prognosis for recovery is poor. It is therefore not surprising that people with irritable bowel syndrome seek homeopathic treatment, with gastroenterological problems being the fourth most common reason for referrals to NHS homeopathic hospitals. However there is no clear evidence regarding the effectiveness of individualised (classical) homeopathic treatment in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome. Methods: This study involved a three armed randomised controlled trial of individualised homeopathic treatment compared to an attention control and usual care. An attention control is a treatment designed to control for the time and attention given to the patient by the therapist, in this case the attention control chosen was supportive listening. An attention control arm was included in this study to test the feasibility of including an attention control in a trial of individualised homeopathic treatment. This presentation will consider the challenges in carrying out a study that explores the effectiveness of homeopathic treatment in an NHS setting. The challenges to carrying out such a study and how they were overcome will be discussed. In addition, the rationale behind the choice of methods, and why supportive listening was chosen as an attention control will be considered. Initial findings from trial will be drawn on to examine whether or not supportive listening is an appropriate attention control for homeopathic treatment.