Australian Naturopaths' Approach to Caring for People with Cardiovascular Disease and Associated Risk Factors: A Qualitative Study of the Providers' Perspective

Abstract

Objectives:

To date, no formal research has evaluated how naturopathic practitioners approach the care of people living with CVD and associated CVD risk factors. The primary aim of this research was to collect qualitative data from Australian Naturopathic practitioners about their clinical practices for CVD.

Design:

Semi-structured interviews were conducted, recorded, transcribed, and ultimately coded by three independent researchers using the Framework Approach.

Subjects:

10 Australian Naturopathic practitioners.

Results:

The key emergent themes from the responses of naturopathic practitioners embodied the elements of patient-centered care (PCC). Numerous factors, including regulation, barriers to service access, and interprofessional communication, were cited as hurdles to additional effectiveness as PCC practitioners.

Conclusion:

Future research should assess whether the principles of PCC are reported directly from the patients who utilize naturopathy for CVD to determine if their experience mirrors the reports by practitioners.