Faculty of Health Sciences
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Item Perceptions and management of paediatric allergies amongst registered homoeopathic practitioners in the greater eThekwini area(2021-12-01) Pillay, Suvanya; Hall, Cornelia MariaPaediatric allergies in South Africa are of significant concern in respect to the recent increase in prevalence, aetiologies, clinical presentation, diagnosis, treatment, and management thereof. The perceptions and management of paediatric allergies amongst registered Homoeopathic practitioners in the greater eThekwini area were of significance in understanding and improving the current knowledge of these from a Homoeopathic perspective. Furthermore, the study provided reliable data in support of the prescription and usage of Homoeopathic treatment. No study on the Homoeopathic treatment and management of paediatric allergies in eThekwini had been conducted. In conducting such study, it expanded the literature of paediatric allergies from a Homoeopathic perspective for the benefit of the researcher, Homoeopathic bodies, parents and caregivers, and the general public. Furthermore, it intended to advocate the use of Homoeopathy as the primary healthcare intervention and first line of treatment for paediatric allergies and associated conditions. The study aimed to explore the perceptions and management of paediatric allergies amongst registered Homoeopathic practitioners in the greater eThekwini area with regards to aetiologies and clinical presentation as these presented in practice, and the diagnostic approaches, and treatment and management protocols that they followed. METHODOLOGY An explorative, qualitative design was employed to conduct the research study amongst a minimum of 12 Homoeopathic practitioners who fulfilled an inclusion criteria, or until saturation of data via questioning was achieved. Interviews were conducted at the respective participants’ consultation rooms located in the greater eThekwini area and captured via audio-recordings. Data was analysed under the supervisor’s guidance, and Tesch’s 8-step procedure of data analysis was applied, from which themes and sub-themes were formed. RESULTS Following data analysis, 4 main themes and their sub-themes were formed, namely knowledge of paediatric allergies with regards to aetiologies, types, and signs and symptoms; diagnosis with regards to clinical presentation and blood tests; multidisciplinary care with regards to referrals and approach to conventional treatment; and treatment and management protocols from a Homoeopathic, nutraceutical, dietary, and educational approach. CONCLUSION Homoeopathic practitioners share mutual perceptions and general knowledge of paediatric allergies in spite of limited professional training of allergies that is available to them. Their expertise and knowledge within their capacity was nevertheless trusted by concerned parents or caregivers to accurately identify, diagnose, treat, and manage a suspected allergy as per their patient’s totality of symptoms. Furthermore, to flatten an allergic tendency with indicated Homoeopathic treatment and appropriate adjuncts so as to prevent any possibility of a subsequent allergy. However, practitioners ought to consider the possible impact of elimination diets on their patients and families, as nutritional deficiencies, malnutrition, emotional stress, and financial expense are all causes of concern. Further clinical evidence is required to advocate them, for which practitioners may consider in their diagnostic, treatment, and management protocol. While Homoeopathy was not the primary option of treatment for their patients’ allergic conditions and concerns, it nevertheless remains a successful modality of CAM for the treatment thereof.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.