Theses and dissertations (Health Sciences)
Permanent URI for this collectionhttp://ir-dev.dut.ac.za/handle/10321/12
Browse
3 results
Search Results
Item Prescribing techniques of KwaZulu-Natal homoeopathic practitioners for paediatric patients(2021-12-01) Khumalo, Mzwandile; Hall, Cornelia Maria; Erwin, KiraIntroduction The homoeopathic practice is polarised between the theoretical foundations of traditional homoeopathy and the contemporary practices as employed by homoeopathic practitioners in their respective practices. To date, the process of case taking and prescribing techniques for paediatric patient in homeopathy is largely unexplored and little is understood about its reliability. Despite a plethora of research showing the effectiveness of homoeopathic remedies in the treatment of paediatric patients. Little is known about the different skills and techniques used by homoeopathic practitioners in prescribing for paediatric patients. The objectives of this study were to expand the database of knowledge regarding the prescribing techniques of homoeopathic practitioners when treating children, by investigating practitioners’ diagnostic framework in the treatment of paediatric patients. The study was guided by the questions: to what theoretical and applied foundations do homoeopaths base their prescription for paediatric patients? Methodology A qualitative, explorative, descriptive and contextual design was employed. Qualitative research in this study was considered the most appropriate method to gain an in-depth understanding of the prescribing techniques of homoeopathic practitioners. Convenience sampling was used to recruit a minimum of 10 and maximum of 15 potential research participants from qualified and registered homoeopathic practitioners, but the sample size was only determined once data saturation was obtained. The study population were experienced homoeopathic practitioners with a minimum of five(5) year experience in practice and treating children. The data was collected and analysed using Tesch’s eight-step procedure. Results Results obtained from this study showed that the study cohort had experienced challenges in the treatment of paediatric patients in their early practice, such challenges stem from the inability of children to sensationally express their symptoms. Homoeopathic practitioners have to rely on their own observation, physical examination and secondary information from the parent. Homoeopathic practitioners further added that homoeopathy is perceived as safe by the parents. Though homoeopathic practitioners foreground their practice on individualization principle, majority of the study groups reported that their focus is on the constitutional prescribing whilst also acquiring an in-depth knowledge of the child’s past medical history, pregnancy and labour, physical symptoms and own observation of the child. Furthermore, the practitioners reported that general symptoms of the paediatric patient are very important as they are less subjected to interpretation. Despite the lack of consistency in the prescribing techniques of homoeopathic practitioners, the practitioners reported that homoeopathic remedies are very effective in the treatment of paediatric cases.Item Perceptions of new graduate chiropractors in their management of paediatric patients in the eThekwini municipality(2019-09-05) Frederick, Tarryn Miranda; Varatharajullu, Desiree; Sibiya, NokuthulaChiropractic is the most frequently utilised complementary and alternative medicine therapy by children and adolescents worldwide. Evidence suggests that childhood health and lifestyle can impact on the health and quality of life in adulthood. The chiropractic care of paediatric patients should therefore be considered as a viable, conservative approach to the holistic management of children. The chiropractic management of paediatric patients is still however surrounded by controversy, from the public and other healthcare professions, largely due to the lack of scientific research in this field. With the adoption of evidence-based practice, it is imperative that the chiropractic profession remain dynamic, continually exploring, questioning and researching the elements that contribute towards effective chiropractic paediatric treatment and management. This study endeavours to provide a new viewpoint from the perspective of new graduate chiropractors on their confidence and competence with regards to paediatric patient management, which are aspects, regarded by multiple studies, as vital elements of successful patient management in the healthcare sector. The findings of this research can provide a greater understanding of the methods which can be implemented in order to foster knowledge, skill and overall confidence during tertiary education, with respect to the field of chiropractic paediatric training. Aim of the study The aim of the study was to assess the perceptions of new graduate chiropractors in their management of paediatric patients in the eThekwini Municipality. Methodology A qualitative, explorative, descriptive research design was utilised for this study. A purposive sample of 10 new graduate chiropractors in the eThekwini Municipality were interviewed. Their perceptions with regards to their paediatric patient management were obtained through semi-structured interviews. Eight key questions, relating to chiropractic paediatric patient management and paediatric educational training, were used to encourage the discussion. The data collected were stored electronically and then transcribed. The transcripts were then coded and analysed by the researcher to identify categories and subcategories. Interpretation of the coded data thereafter occurred, utilising the themes and sub-themes previously identified by the researcher. Results Four main themes were identified in the study, namely self-perception of confidence, knowledge and skill in paediatric patient management; exposure and training received in the chiropractic course; challenges encountered in paediatric patient management; and further enhancement of paediatric patient management. Participants expressed a lack of confidence and competence with regards to their management of the paediatric population. A strong correlation was exhibited between their perceived lack of skill in paediatric treatment and management and increased referral rates for this patient category. Participants stated that their lack of exposure to paediatric patients during the chiropractic paediatric curriculum in the course, negatively impacted on their diagnostic and orthopaedic assessment skills, as well as their ability to facilitate treatment to this age group. Participants identified areas of enhancement in the chiropractic paediatric component of the chiropractic programme. A variety of obstacles encountered by new graduate chiropractors were discussed, including parental satisfaction and influence on paediatric treatment; communication and time management skills; uncooperative patients and lack of competence and confidence with regards to paediatric patient management. Methods to improve paediatric assessment and treatment were then highlighted and discussed further. Conclusion This study is the first in South Africa to assess the perceptions of new graduate chiropractors in their management of paediatric patients. These perceptions were based on a variety of factors such as self-perceived competence, self- confidence, professional education and continued professional development, as well as practitioner experience. While new graduate chiropractors acknowledged the beneficial aspects of the chiropractic paediatric component of the chiropractic programme, they provided constructive feedback and recommendations for further enhancement of the chiropractic paediatric curriculum in the chiropractic course. The lack of exposure to paediatric patients prior to private practice was highlighted as a key factor that negatively impacted on new graduate chiropractors’ confidence to assess, treat and manage this patient population. Therefore, it is recommended that the findings of this research be utilised by the Durban University of Technology’s Chiropractic Department in order to enhance the quality of their chiropractic paediatric curriculum.Item Knowledge, understanding and perception of parents towards the utilization of chiropractic treatment for paediatric patients in the Durban Metropolitan area(2016) Cawood, Hughnique; Basson, Petro Magdalena; Maharaj, PraveenaINTRODUCTION: The utilization of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) in the treatment of paediatric patients is increasing, especially the utilization of chiropractic treatment for children. However controversy exists regarding the reasons why parents may or may not choose to utilize chiropractic treatment for children. Parents are the gatekeepers to care as they consent to all treatment that is given to their children. Parents that have a lack of knowledge and understanding regarding chiropractic, as well as a negative perception regarding chiropractic treatment for children may be reluctant to choose chiropractic treatment as a treatment option. Both positive and negative opinions regarding chiropractic treatment have been identified in other populations in South Africa which emphasizes the need to explore the way parents feel about chiropractic treatment for children. A lack of knowledge and understanding of CAM has been identified as a reason for underutilization. Insight into the status of knowledge, understanding and perception of parents regarding chiropractic treatment for paediatric patients in the Durban Metropolitan Area equips the profession to better understand how parents view chiropractic treatment for children. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: The main aim of this research was to explore and describe the knowledge, understanding and perception of parents regarding chiropractic treatment for paediatric patients. The outcomes of such a study can provide useful information which can serve as a baseline from which education and chiropractic treatment awareness can be built, as well as dispelling any misconceptions and myths regarding chiropractic treatment for children. RESEARCH DESIGN: An explorative, descriptive, qualitative research design was followed in this research. This research design was chosen in order to evaluate the knowledge, understanding and perception of parents regarding the utilization of chiropractic treatment for paediatric patients, within the Durban Metropolitan area. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with participants of the Durban Metropolitan Area in order to determine the current knowledge, understanding and perception of parents regarding chiropractic treatment for paediatric patients within this area. Interviews were conducted with the participants until saturation was met, after which an additional five interviews were conducted. A total of 13 interviews were analyzed. The data was transcribed and coded by the researcher as well as a co-coder. NVivo software was utilized for the coding process. RESULTS: It was found that the participants had a lack of knowledge and understanding regarding chiropractic treatment for children. The participants felt that this lack of knowledge and understanding of chiropractic treatment for children left them unsure, resulting in the non-use of this form of treatment for their children. The participants were however not opposed to the utilization of chiropractic treatment for children; they felt fear and concern regarding chiropractic treatment as they felt they were uneducated regarding the outcome of the treatment, what the treatment would involve and the reasons why chiropractic treatment should be utilized for children. The participants mentioned that if they had increased knowledge and understanding they would feel more comfortable in utilizing chiropractic treatment for their children. The participants felt that they did not have the resources to learn more about chiropractic treatment and they showed interest in learning more about chiropractic treatment for children. Recommendations were made for further research and for the chiropractic profession regarding increasing the knowledge and understanding of parents regarding chiropractic treatment.