Journal article
Making sense of complexity: A qualitative ‘Framework’ analysis of naturopathic case management and clinical reasoning
Complementary therapies in clinical practice, Vol.52, 101773
08/2023
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Source: InCites
Abstract
Background and purpose
The clinical encounter is inherently complex and uncertain. Naturopathic clinical practice is shaped by a traditional philosophy and practice guiding principles, with a therapeutic framework that incorporates a complex inter-systems approach. It is possible that this foundation may orient naturopathic practitioners to manage clinical complexity and uncertainty in a distinct manner. The aim of this study is to explore the perceptions of experienced naturopathic practitioners to the management of clinical complexity within naturopathic care.
Materials and methods
Twenty experienced Australian naturopathic practitioners participated across four focus groups, responding to semi-structured questions regarding their clinical reasoning strategies and case management processes. The data were analysed using a seven step Framework analysis method.
Results
Three primary themes were identified: i) patient is encountered as a whole entity, ii) clinical reasoning is ampliative and explicative, and iii) treatment reflects systems thinking. Participants perceived a focus on the connections between various case elements, building a comprehensive internalised schematic of each case. Participants saw treatments as meeting various needs including prevention, symptom alleviation, causal mitigation, and support of innate healing processes.
Conclusion
Naturopathic practitioners perceive they clinically embody the traditional holistic philosophy of naturopathy as a systems orientation, incorporating traditional and contemporary bioscience knowledge. This appears to shape a distinct naturopathic case management approach, oriented to working with patients in a complexity-informed manner.
Details
- Title
- Making sense of complexity: A qualitative ‘Framework’ analysis of naturopathic case management and clinical reasoning
- Creators
- Kim D. Graham - University of Technology SydneyAmie Steel - University of Technology SydneyJon Wardle - Southern Cross University
- Publication Details
- Complementary therapies in clinical practice, Vol.52, 101773
- Publisher
- Elsevier Ltd
- Grant note
- This work was supported by Endeavour College of Natural Medicine (grant number RGP20190820KG).
- Identifiers
- 991013121011202368
- Copyright
- © 2023 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
- Academic Unit
- National Centre for Naturopathic Medicine
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Journal article