NICE: a first for integrated health

The National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE – the government’s rationing body for the NHS) is widely expected to approve complementary therapies for the first time when it unveils new guidance for the treatment of back pain this week.

It will say that all patients who have pain lasting more than six weeks should be offered the choice of orthodox treatment such as drugs, or acupuncture or one of the manipulative therapies – remedial massage, chiropractic, osteopathy or conventional physiotherapy.

Manipulative therapies are already used widely in the NHS, particularly in the control of pain. However this is the first time NICE has issued guidance that fully integrates complementary and conventional treatment.

Dr Michael Dixon, medical director of The Prince’s Foundation for Integrated Health, said:

'This is integrated healthcare in action.

'Chronic back pain is notoriously difficult to treat. Now all patients will be able to access proven complementary treatments as well as orthodox medicine.

'That means real patient choice and, hopefully, better outcomes for many'.

ENDS

Notes to editors:

1.     The Prince’s Foundation for Integrated Health was founded by HRH The Prince of Wales in 1993. Its principal aim is to make sure that all patients can access good integrated healthcare. That means treating patients as whole human beings – paying attention to body, mind and soul. It may include access to proven complementary therapies, but the Foundation does not suggest that is necessarily the best course of action for all conditions and all patients. More information about the Foundation can be found at www.fih.org.uk

2.     Media enquiries to Pat Goodall, 01246 410707 or pat.goodall@fih.org.uk

3.     All other enquiries to contactus@fih.org.uk or call 020 7024 5755.