lemonde.fr
Surge in Complaints Highlights Dangers of Unconventional Healthcare Practices in France
The French Miviludes reported a significant increase in complaints about unconventional healthcare practices in 2024, with health and well-being representing 37% of all complaints from 2022-2024, raising concerns about the substitution of proven treatments with potentially harmful practices within healthcare settings.
- What are the primary risks associated with the growing presence of unconventional care practices within French healthcare facilities?
- The rise in complaints highlights the increasing prevalence of unconventional healthcare practices, often lacking scientific backing, being offered alongside or as a replacement for conventional medicine. This trend is particularly alarming in cancer care, where patients are vulnerable to misleading claims.
- What is the most significant finding from the Miviludes report concerning the increase in complaints about unconventional healthcare practices in France?
- The French Miviludes, an interministerial mission combating cult-like excesses, reported a 13.7% increase in complaints in 2024 compared to 2021, reaching 4,571. Health and well-being accounted for 37% of all complaints from 2022-2024, with concerns focused on unconventional practices within healthcare settings.
- How might the new partnership between Miviludes, the Ministry of the Interior, and the League Against Cancer effectively address the growing concern of cult-like practices in healthcare?
- The partnership between Miviludes, the Ministry of the Interior, and the League Against Cancer signals a proactive approach to address these issues. Future efforts should focus on public awareness campaigns and stricter regulations to prevent the substitution of proven medical treatments with potentially harmful practices.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article's framing emphasizes the negative consequences of unconventional practices, creating a sense of alarm and potentially fueling fear and distrust of complementary therapies. The headline and introductory paragraphs focus on the dangers and the increase in reported cases, setting a negative tone before presenting any nuance or balanced perspective. The repeated use of words like "dérives sectaires" (sectarian drifts) and "pseudo-thérapeutes" (pseudo-therapists) further reinforces this negative framing.
Language Bias
The article utilizes strong, negatively charged language, such as "dérives sectaires" (sectarian drifts), "pseudo-thérapeutes" (pseudo-therapists), and repeatedly emphasizes the potential dangers and negative outcomes of unconventional treatments. This choice of language may unduly alarm the reader and shape their perception. Neutral alternatives could include: instead of "pseudo-thérapeutes," consider using "practitioners of unconventional medicine" or simply "practitioners"; instead of "dérives sectaires," perhaps "unconventional practices of concern" could be more neutral.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on the dangers of unconventional practices within healthcare settings, but it omits discussion of the potential benefits or positive aspects of complementary therapies when used appropriately and under medical supervision. While acknowledging the risks is crucial, a balanced perspective would strengthen the article. There's no mention of regulations or guidelines governing complementary therapies in the healthcare system, which could provide crucial context.
False Dichotomy
The article presents a false dichotomy by framing the choice between conventional and unconventional medicine as mutually exclusive. It suggests that choosing unconventional treatments automatically means rejecting conventional medicine entirely. Many patients use both complementary and conventional therapies in conjunction with their physician's guidance. This simplification risks misrepresenting the complexities of patient choice and healthcare.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article highlights the negative impact of unconventional health practices and sect-related abuses on individuals' well-being, particularly cancer patients. The promotion of unproven treatments, substitution of conventional medicine, and dangerous practices like urinotherapy directly threaten health and well-being. The increasing number of reports to Miviludes underscores a concerning trend.