Convergence between orthodox and alternative medicine: a theoretical elaboration and empirical test

The idea that orthodox and alternative medical systems are converging, postulated by Willis (1989), is tested through a survey of general practitioners and interviews with alternative practitioners in Hobart, Tasmania, Australia, undertaken in 1997. The results suggest that there is convergence between the practices of both therapeutic modalities evidenced by use of medical diagnostic procedures by alternative practitioners, use of alternative therapies by doctors and cross-referral of patients. However, it is argued, such convergence is only weak and the use of the term complementary, rather than alternative by both doctors and alternative practitioners, allows differences in interests between the two groups to be glossed over. Weak convergence is more compatible with a postmodern society than strong convergence.