"Review by Trina Ward of: ‘Integrating complementary therapies in primary care – a practical guide for health professionals’ David Peters, Leon Chaitow Gerry Harris, Sue Morrison This book is based on the experience of setting up an integrated practice at the Marylebone health Centre London started almost 20 years ago. It is aimed at clinicians to stimulate ideas and learning in order to facilitate integrating Complementary Therapies (CT) into primary care. It is intended to be a practical tool and is divided into three main sections. The first part provides background information on what is complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), the current situation of CAM in mainstream medical care and issues that need to be addressed. Various models and theories of healing are discussed, and presented not simply as descriptions but as indicators of areas of common ground from which collaboration can occur, and moves further by relating these models to clinical pictures. The research section presents a discussion of the relevance of different methods of research questioning the validity of randomised controlled trials as the ‘gold standard’ of effectiveness for CAM. Then covers research evidence into a range of specific conditions, references in a table at the end of the chapter along with gradings of the evidence – is one of the many practical tools that make this book so instantly useful. Aiming to build bridges for doctors and scientists is a presentation of the modes of action of CTs, including safety aspects using conventional scientific terms. This is sensitively presented and put in context so as to not disempower complementary practitioners (CPs). The second section addresses service implementation, identifying key issues and providing examples of different models used across the country. Funding and resource issues along with legal considerations are discussed. Summary information for doctors on each CTs techniques training and organization is given along with clarification of practitioner and practice development tools. Development and implementation of the Marylebone health centre (MHC) project is explained. Delivery and evaluation of this and other projects follow in chapter 4, with useful flow chart summaries. Cost effectiveness and quality assurance issues are discussed with presentation of practical tools for use in practice. Chapter 5 reflects on evaluating the service; difficulties are outlined and the various experiences of all participants are presented, unresolved issues as well as the way forward are discussed. The final section consists of information sheets on common disorders, patient information sheets and evaluations documents, which the reader is invited to freely copy to use in practice. Fulfilling its aims at being a learning tool chapters 1-5 include reflective learning cycle audit sheets. The book is dotted throughout with summary boxes and tables of data. At the end of each chapter references are listed along with a wealth of suggested further reading. A minor irritation was that Chapter 2 unfortunately lacked reference numbers within the text. I feel that this book has wider applications than integrating CTs within primary care; it can be applied to other NHS settings and can also benefit CPs working together, since bridges need to be built between different CTs as much as between CT and orthodox medicine. Throughout this book the questions asked, awareness of possible stumbling blocks and approaches to solutions reflect the great experience of the authors who have been pioneers in integrated medicine, this book can act as a mentor to those clinicians both orthodox and complementary who see the benefits of reflective practice. It is an essential thought provoking tool that has exceeded its aims. "