98 The Role of Homeopathy in Patient-Centred Complementary Healthcare

Abstract

Patient-centred healthcare emphasizes respect for individual preferences, values, experiences, communication, shared decision-making, and access to appropriate care. Homeopathy is a longstanding complementary system that continues to be used in several countries, including India. This paper examines the role of homeopathy within patient-centred complementary healthcare, focusing on patient preferences, individualized consultations, communication, perceived wellness, quality of life, safety, scientific evidence, professional ethics, and coordination with conventional healthcare. Patients may value the time, attention, and individualized interaction associated with complementary consultations. However, patient satisfaction or perceived improvement should not be confused with evidence of specific clinical effectiveness. Major scientific assessments have not established reliable evidence that homeopathy is effective for specific medical conditions beyond placebo effects. A responsible patient-centred approach should therefore respect patient autonomy while providing accurate information about evidence, uncertainty, risks, alternatives, and the importance of timely evidence-based diagnosis and treatment.