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Journal article
The converging paradigms of holism and complexity: An exploration of naturopathic clinical case management using complexity science principles
Journal of Evaluation in Clinical Practice, 13721
15/06/2022
PMID: 35703447
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Source: InCites
Abstract
Traditional whole systems of medicine, such as naturopathy, are founded upon holism; a philosophical paradigm consistent with contemporary complexity science. Naturopathic case management is predicated upon the understanding of an intimately interconnected internal physiological and external context of the human organism-potentially indicating a worldview aligned with a complexity perspective. In this study we investigate naturopathic clinical reasoning using a complexity lens with the aim of ascertaining the extent of correspondence between the two.
Mind maps depicting case presentations were sought from Australian degree qualified naturopaths. A network mapping was undertaken, which was then analysed in accordance with a complexity science framework using exploratory data analysis and network analysis processes and tools.
Naturopathic case schematics, in the form of mind maps (n = 70), were collected, network mapped, and analysed. A total of 739 unique elements and 2724 links were identified across the network. Integral elements across the network were: stress, fatigue, general anxiety, systemic inflammation, gut dysbiosis, and diet. A modularity algorithm detected 11 communities, the primary ones of these representing the nervous system and mood; the gastrointestinal tract, liver, and nutrition; immune function and the immune system; and diet and nutrients.
Naturopathic case management is holistic and based on a perspective of an integrated physiology and external context of the human organism. The traditional concept of holism, when subjected to a complexity lens, leads to the emergence of a contemporary holistic paradigm cognisant of the human organism being a complex system. The application of complexity science to investigate naturopathic case management as employed in this study, demonstrates that it is possible to investigate traditional philosophies and principles in a scientific and critical manner. A complexity science research approach may offer a suitable scientific paradigm to develop our understanding of traditional whole systems of medicine.
Details
- Title
- The converging paradigms of holism and complexity: An exploration of naturopathic clinical case management using complexity science principles
- Creators
- Kim D Graham - University of Technology SydneyAmie Steel - University of Technology SydneyJon Wardle - Southern Cross University
- Publication Details
- Journal of Evaluation in Clinical Practice, 13721
- Comment
- A grant was received by Endeavour College of Natural Medicine which was used to provide a nominal reimbursement to the participants. Open access publishing facilitated by University of Technology Sydney, as part of the Wiley-University of Technology Sydney agreement via the Council of Australian University Librarians.
- Publisher
- John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
- Grant note
- Grant/Award Number: RGP20190820KG / Endeavour College of Natural Medicine
- Identifiers
- 991013031685302368
- Copyright
- © 2022 The Authors.
- Academic Unit
- National Centre for Naturopathic Medicine
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Journal article