RECENT RESEARCH
Kuruvilla DE , Lindsey H , Grinberg AS et al .
Complementary and integrative medicine perspectives among veteran patients and VHA healthcare providers for the treatment of headache disorders : a qualitative study . BMC Complement Med Ther , 2022 ; 22 , 22 . https :// doi . org / 10.1186 / s12906-022-03511-6
Objective : To evaluate veteran patient and provider perceptions and preferences on complementary and integrative medicine ( CIM ) for headache management .
Background : The Veterans Health Administration ( VHA ) has spearheaded a Whole Health system of care focusing on CIM-based care for veteran patients . Less is known about patients ’ and providers ’ CIM perceptions and preferences for chronic headache management .
Methods : We conducted semi-structured interviews with 20 veteran patients diagnosed with headache and 43 clinical providers , across 12 VHA Headache Centers of Excellence ( HCoE ), from January 2019 to March 2020 . We conducted thematic and case comparative analyses .
Results : Veteran patients and VHA clinical providers viewed CIM favorably for the treatment of chronic headache . Specific barriers to CIM approaches included : ( 1 ) A lack of personnel specialized in specific CIM approaches for timely access , and ( 2 ) variation in patient perceptions and responses to CIM treatment efficacy for headache management .
Conclusion : Veteran patients and VHA clinical providers in this study viewed CIM favorably as a safe addition to mainstream headache treatments . Advantages to CIM include favorable adverse effect profiles and patient autonomy over the treatment . By adding more CIM providers and resources throughout the VHA , CIM modalities may be recommended more routinely in the management of veterans with headache .
Basri NF , Ramli AS , Mohamad M . et al .
Traditional and complementary medicine ( TCM ) usage and its association with Patient
Assessment of Chronic Illness Care ( PACIC ) among individuals with metabolic syndrome in primary care . BMC Complement Med Ther , 2022 : 22 , 14 . https :// doi . org / 10.1186 / s12906- 021-03493-x
Background : Traditional and Complementary Medicine ( TCM ) is widely used particularly among patients with chronic diseases in primary care . However , evidence is lacking regarding TCM use among patients with Metabolic Syndrome ( MetS ) and its association with patients ’ experience on chronic disease conventional care that they receive . Therefore , this study aims to determine the prevalence and pattern of TCM use , compare the patients ’ experience of chronic disease care using the Patient Assessment of Chronic Illness Care - Malay version ( PACIC-M ) questionnaire between TCM users and non-users and determine the factors associated with TCM use among patients with MetS in primary care .
Methodology : A cross-sectional study was conducted at a university primary care clinic . Patients aged 18 to 80 years old with MetS were recruited . Sociodemographic characteristic , clinical characteristics and information on TCM use and its pattern were recorded in a proforma . Patient ’ s experience of chronic disease conventional care was measured using PACIC-M questionnaire . The comparison of PACIC-M mean score between TCM users and non-users was measured using independent t-test . The factors associated with TCM use were determined by simple logistic regression ( SLogR ), followed by multiple logistic regression ( MLogR ).
Results : Out of 394 participants , 381 ( 96.7 %) were included in the final analysis . Of the 381 participants , 255 ( 66.9 %) were TCM users ( 95 % CI 62.7 , 71.7 ). Only 36.9 % of users disclosed about TCM use to their health care providers ( HCP ). The overall mean PACIC-M score was 2.91 ( SD ± 0.04 ). TCM users had significantly higher mean PACIC-M score compared to non-users ( 2.98 ± 0.74 vs 2.75 ± 0.72 , p = 0.01 ). The independent factors associated with TCM use were being female ( Adj . OR 2.50 ,
95 % CI 1.55 , 4.06 ), having high education level ( Adj . OR 2.16 , 95 % CI 1.37 , 3.41 ) and having high overall PACIC-M mean score ( Adj . OR 1.49 , 95 % CI 1.10 , 2.03 ).
Conclusion : TCM use was highly prevalent in this primary care clinic . However , the disclosure rate of TCM use to HCP was low . Females , those with high education and high PACIC-M mean score were more likely to use TCM . Further research should explore the reasons for their TCM use , despite having good experience in conventional chronic disease care .
Leach MJ , Barnes LAJ , McLintock A . et al .
Transitioning to practice : a qualitative investigation of Australian graduate naturopath ’ s experiences of being in practice . BMC Complement Med Ther , 2021 ; 21 , 298 . https :// doi . org / 10.1186 / s12906-021-03475-z
Background : The transition from student to practitioner can be challenging , resulting in stress , burnout and attrition . While there has been ample research examining graduate medical and allied health practitioner experiences of transitioning to practice , there is a paucity of research exploring such experiences in newly qualified naturopathic medicine practitioners . In light of this knowledge gap , the objective of this study was to ascertain the experiences of practicing as a naturopath in Australia within the first 5 years post-graduation .
Methods : Using a qualitative descriptive approach , recent graduates of an Australian Bachelor of Naturopathy ( or equivalent ) program were invited to participate in a semi-structured telephone interview to address the study objective . Data were analysed utilising a framework approach .
Results : A total of 19 new graduates ( 94.7 % female ; 57.9 % aged 40 – 59 years ) undertook an interview . Five interrelated themes emerged from the data : practitioner , practice , proprietorship , professions , and perceptions . Connected with these themes were contrasting feelings , multiplicity of duties , small
44 | vol28 | no1 | JATMS