Integrative Medicine in General Practice: A Comprehensive Approach

By Kerryn Phelps MBBS(Syd) FRACGP FAMA AM, Craig Hassed MBBS FRACGP

This comprehensive general practice textbook takes a contemporary, integrative approach to diagnosis, investigation, and management of health issues and disease states encountered in the general practice environment. The book covers the philosophy underpinning general practice in the 21st century, focusing on primary and secondary prevention, as well as acute and chronic disease management.

Philosophy and Approach

General Practice: The Integrative Approach is directed at best practice rather than alternative practice. It informs doctors about potential treatment and prevention options, as well as potential pitfalls, according to the growing evidence base in this area.

Comprehensive Coverage

The textbook is divided into two sections. The first section lays the foundations and principles of integrative medicine, while the second section examines important medical conditions in a systems-based approach. Each chapter begins by detailing the allopathic medical and consulting knowledge required of a standard GP text, discussing physiology and pharmacological management plans of systems-based conditions.

The chapter then leads into an evidence-based discussion of the therapeutic options available for the treatment of associated factors, essentially providing practitioners with the knowledge required to adapt their approach to meet the needs of the individual patient.

Expert Contributions

A national panel of experts with experience in Chinese medicine, herbal medicine, nutritional medicine, naturopathy, and exercise therapy have contributed to their various fields of expertise to incorporate management plans that utilize a variety of therapeutic modalities to achieve the best clinical outcome.

The book incorporates evidence-based and safe therapies, including conventional medical care, lifestyle interventions, and complementary therapies, focusing on prevention and health promotion.

Unique Features

The textbook features a symptomatic layout, matching the approach of contemporary medical curricula, making it easy to navigate and reference. Each therapeutic modality and therapeutics contributor is coded with an icon for easy modality reference.

A unique chapter covers medico-legal issues, and a ready reference herb/drug interaction chart is also included.

About the Authors

Expert authors include Dr. Kerryn Phelps, a well-known Australian medical practitioner and President of the Australasian Integrative Medicine Association (AIMA).

Product Details: Language: English, ISBN-10: 0729538044, Publication date: January 3, 2011, Publisher: Churchill Livingstone Australia; 1 edition, ISBN-13: 978-0729538046