A majority of patients would like to ask their GPs about alternative therapies, but are too embarrassed to do so, according to research published by the health education charity, Developing Patient Partnerships (DPP).

Of the 1,000 respondents, 71 per cent said they wanted to discuss such therapies as hypnotherapy and herbal medicine with their doctor.  But 38 per cent believed that most doctors disapprove of treatments such as these.

“Patients and health professionals are crying out for more information on complementary medicine,” said DPP spokesman Dr Terry John.  “It is crucial that health professionals have information to hand when necessary, and likewise patients need the necessary information to make informed choices about their treatment.”

A separate poll of GPs found that 52 per cent regularly asked patients about the complementary medicines they use.  Of the 100 doctors questioned, 47 per cent argued that they should be the ones providing information, but 85 per cent said they did not have enough information on the safety or efficacy of  therapies, a figure that is set to rise by £70 million over the next four years.