Mini-dissertation submitted in partial compliance with the requirements for the Master's Degree in Technology: Homeopathy, Durban Institute of Technology, 2003. / From the world wide sales of homeopathic products for 1997, which were estimated to be $1.15 billion homeopathy is growing and becoming an important aspect of healthcare. In South Africa homeopathy is relatively new and there seems to be limited awareness of homeopathy amongst the public and healthcare authorities. A collection of basic data on treatment and prescribing patterns is urgently needed. A clinical audit, namely, practice based clinical research that allows the effectiveness of homeopathy to be evaluated under 'real-life' circumstances, is required. ABSTRACT A clinical audit includes three areas, quality assurance, treatment outcomes and economic outcomes. The study addressed the first two of these areas. Quality assurance includes documenting practitioner and practice demographics, procedures of diagnosis, care and treatment. The treatment outcomes were assessed by the practitioner and the patient. Patients also gave feedback on consumer satisfaction. The study was carried out by using the survey method and the measuring tool was a series of six questionnaires. The sample of practitioners (n = 30) was drawn from registered homeopathic practitioners of Kwazulu Natal (KZN). Data from 158 patients was collected. The study was completed in 5 stages. Stage 1, was a telephonic contact of all registered homeopaths by the researcher. In Stage 2, a face to face interview of participating practitioners was conducted by the researcher. Stage 3 was the initial consultation, where both the practitioner and patient completed questionnaires. Stage 4 consisted of a follow-up consultation where again the practitioner and patient completed post treatment questionnaires. Stage 5 was the exit questionnaire administered to drop out patients by the researcher telephonically. / M

Approved for Final Submission Master's degree in Technology: Homoeopathy, Durban Institute of Technology, Durban, 2004. / The purpose of this study was to compare the communication patterns in the homoeopathic first consultation between qualified practitioners and student practitioners. The overall patterns were also compared to standard medical literature on patient practitioner dialogue. Patients and methods The research groups consisted of two groups of ten participants: one group of qualified registered, and practicing homoeopaths and the other of student interns at the Homoeopathic Day Clinic at the Durban Institute of Technology. Each participant conducted two consultations which were taped for research purposes. These were conducted in the setting of either their private practices or in the Homoeopathic Day Clinic. These tapes were used to generate a data set that described the relative frequencies of certain utterances according to the Rater Interaction Analysis System (RIAS). This data set was analysed statistically to give a comparison between the two groups, as well as being used to describe the patterns of communication in a homoeopathic setting in the larger context of medical interactions. IV Results Significant statistical differences were noted in the communication patterns of practitioners as opposed to student homoeopaths. / M

Thesis (M.Tech.: Homoeopathy)--Durban University of Technology, 2008. xix, 122 leaves / Discussion among homoeopaths in South Africa provides the impression that there is a degree of misunderstanding and ignorance about homoeopathy, and opinions are varied on its application and efficacy amongst the South African public. An over the counter (OTC) medicine, is a medicine which is sold without a prescription directly to the public, which includes homoeopathic medicines. OTC medicines may be sold at any retail outlet, i.e. a pharmacy or general store. There is much evidence pointed towards the growth and rise in over the counter sales in complementary and alternative medicine, a growth of more than 17% in total, homoeopathy is a major part of the complementary and alternative medicine group, having its own growth of more than 16% over a four year period. Self-medication in the form of over the counter medicines forms the main part of this industry (Caldis, 2000). The market was previously examined by the Mintel Group for complementary medicines and its growth in sales, in April 2003. Since then, the market has continued to expand, growing by 45% in real terms from 1999 to 2004. Greater consumer awareness of alternative medicines, an interest in healthy lifestyles, and the willingness to self-medicate certain conditions have all contributed to the increased value of sales (Mintel, 2005). Whenever the economic and public health benefits of self-medication are discussed, it is important to address inequalities in health. This means that not every citizen may feel sufficiently confident to practice responsible self-medication. It is also evident that not everybody has the financial means to do iii so. The whole notion of responsible self-medication both in a traditional sense and in the future is based on the concept of choice. Allowing individuals certain options when they suffer minor, self-limiting or chronic diseases is the fundamental consideration behind responsible self-medication (AESGP, 2004). Methodology A non-experimental descriptive survey was conducted to determine the perceptions of registered South African Homoeopaths regarding the availability of over the counter homoeopathic remedies. A self-administered questionnaire was distributed and 68 anonymous responses were obtained. Raw data was analysed using descriptive statistics and the relationships between variables tested for correlations. Results Respondents perceived homoeopathic OTC medicine sales and their availability in health shops and pharmacies, as contributing to the promotion of the profession as well as increasing its accessibility to the public. Other benefits perceived were the cost effectiveness of homoeopathic OTC medicines and convenience for home usage. The majority of respondents felt that there should be certain restrictions regarding the availability of OTC homoeopathic medicines, such as, the limitations regarding the availability of certain potencies. Participants also expressed concern over the degree of training held by retail outlet staff. Certain respondents felt that homoeopathic medicines should only be iv available with a prescription or used under the guidance of their practitioner. Other negative aspects of over the counter homoeopathic medicines were: incorrect use of medication, overdosing, and potential negative effects the patient may experience if the OTC medicine interacts with other medication, as well as the concern over the risks of self-medicating without the advice from a practitioner. Conclusions and recommendations The majority of respondents were in favour of the availability of homoeopathic OTC medicines to the public, provided that they are suitably regulated to ensure patient safety and quality control. Furthermore the regulation of the relevant retail outlets including education of staff in this regard was recommended. Respondents also were in favour of the awareness of the profession that homoeopathic OTC medicines created.

Mini-dissertation submitted in partial compliance with the requirements for the Master’s Degree in Technology: Homoeopathy, Durban University of Technology, 2011. / Introduction This descriptive, quantitative perception survey aimed to determine the opinions and treatment regimes of registered South African homoeopaths, regarding childhood vaccinations. Purpose / Aim The purpose of this survey was to determine if there is a coherent treatment protocol amongst homoeopaths when dealing with childhood vaccinations. Methodology The researcher used a questionnaire (Appendix B), aimed at homoeopaths registered with the Allied Health Professions Council of South Africa (AHPCSA), as primary health care practitioners, to view their patient management techniques regarding vaccinations. This study aimed to document the intervention protocols offered concurrently or as an alternative to orthodox vaccinations. A participant information letter (Appendix A) and a questionnaire (Appendix B) were faxed or e-mailed to all homoeopaths. After a two week time lapse, an independent third party contacted the participants who had not returned the questionnaires to ensure they had received the questionnaire. A further 2 weeks were allowed to lapse for the return of the outstanding questionnaires, after which time the non-complying candidates were excluded from the study. v Anonymity was maintained as the 93 completed questionnaires were returned to the third party. All personal details were removed before the researcher was allowed access to the questionnaires. The data accumulated was evaluated and statistically analyzed using Pearson’s chi-square tests, frequency tables, bar charts, analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Bonferroni post hoc multiple comparison tests. A p-value <0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Results Polio was the only disease that participants felt should be vaccinated against (40%) and only 10.1% of participants rated vaccinations as very important. Half (55.3%) of the participants thought there was not enough scientific proof that vaccinations prevent infectious disease. The participants rated improved sanitization (82.9%); nutrition (72%); access to healthcare (65%); healthcare (64.6%) and education (64.2%) as the most important interventions contributing to the decline of infectious diseases. Conclusions The assumption that most homoeopaths disagree with vaccinations held true as 72% of the participants were not in favor of vaccinations. However, 44.4% felt that the risks of vaccinations did not outweigh the benefits. Results indicate that the majority of participants did not support the use of vaccinations although their treatment protocols and general opinions regarding vaccinations varied tremendously. vi In conclusion, the homoeopathic profession can use this information to decide what steps should be taken to rectify any misconceptions, improve general knowledge and attitudes regarding homoeopaths’ opinions and intervention protocols with regards to childhood vaccinations.

Thesis (M.Tech.: Homoeopathy)--Durban University of Technology, 2008. xix, 122 leaves / Discussion among homoeopaths in South Africa provides the impression that there is a degree of misunderstanding and ignorance about homoeopathy, and opinions are varied on its application and efficacy amongst the South African public. An over the counter (OTC) medicine, is a medicine which is sold without a prescription directly to the public, which includes homoeopathic medicines. OTC medicines may be sold at any retail outlet, i.e. a pharmacy or general store. There is much evidence pointed towards the growth and rise in over the counter sales in complementary and alternative medicine, a growth of more than 17% in total, homoeopathy is a major part of the complementary and alternative medicine group, having its own growth of more than 16% over a four year period. Self-medication in the form of over the counter medicines forms the main part of this industry (Caldis, 2000). The market was previously examined by the Mintel Group for complementary medicines and its growth in sales, in April 2003. Since then, the market has continued to expand, growing by 45% in real terms from 1999 to 2004. Greater consumer awareness of alternative medicines, an interest in healthy lifestyles, and the willingness to self-medicate certain conditions have all contributed to the increased value of sales (Mintel, 2005). Whenever the economic and public health benefits of self-medication are discussed, it is important to address inequalities in health. This means that not every citizen may feel sufficiently confident to practice responsible self-medication. It is also evident that not everybody has the financial means to do iii so. The whole notion of responsible self-medication both in a traditional sense and in the future is based on the concept of choice. Allowing individuals certain options when they suffer minor, self-limiting or chronic diseases is the fundamental consideration behind responsible self-medication (AESGP, 2004). Methodology A non-experimental descriptive survey was conducted to determine the perceptions of registered South African Homoeopaths regarding the availability of over the counter homoeopathic remedies. A self-administered questionnaire was distributed and 68 anonymous responses were obtained. Raw data was analysed using descriptive statistics and the relationships between variables tested for correlations. Results Respondents perceived homoeopathic OTC medicine sales and their availability in health shops and pharmacies, as contributing to the promotion of the profession as well as increasing its accessibility to the public. Other benefits perceived were the cost effectiveness of homoeopathic OTC medicines and convenience for home usage. The majority of respondents felt that there should be certain restrictions regarding the availability of OTC homoeopathic medicines, such as, the limitations regarding the availability of certain potencies. Participants also expressed concern over the degree of training held by retail outlet staff. Certain respondents felt that homoeopathic medicines should only be iv available with a prescription or used under the guidance of their practitioner. Other negative aspects of over the counter homoeopathic medicines were: incorrect use of medication, overdosing, and potential negative effects the patient may experience if the OTC medicine interacts with other medication, as well as the concern over the risks of self-medicating without the advice from a practitioner. Conclusions and recommendations The majority of respondents were in favour of the availability of homoeopathic OTC medicines to the public, provided that they are suitably regulated to ensure patient safety and quality control. Furthermore the regulation of the relevant retail outlets including education of staff in this regard was recommended. Respondents also were in favour of the awareness of the profession that homoeopathic OTC medicines created.

M.Tech. / The World Health Organization (WHO) defines African Traditional Medicine (ATM) as comprising of indigenous experiences of different cultures, approaches, knowledge and beliefs, which incorporates plant, animal and mineral-based medicines together with spiritual therapies in the treatment, diagnostic and the prevention of disease (WHO, 2008). It is estimated that up to 70-80% of the black population in South Africa consult African Traditional Healers (ATH) for their health care needs before or together with the use of other health care providers (Truter, 2007). According to Truter (2007) this is because many in the black population find ATH to be more accessible, familiar and more knowledgeable concerning culture-bound syndromes and traditions. Homoeopathy is a form of natural medicine that takes a holistic approach to the treatment of patients. As part of a holistic approach, Homoeopaths are required to understand their patient’s frame of reference and their life world. As many of the black patients who consult Homoeopaths also consult ATH, it is important for the Homoeopathic practitioner to understand these patients in order to ensure positive doctor-patient relationships. The aim of this qualitative phenomenological study was to explore and describe the experiences of black people consulting ATH in Tshwane and from this information, make guidelines for improved meaningful interactions between Homoeopathic practitioners and their patients who consult ATH. This was a contextual, qualitative and phenomenological research design. Ten black participants who consulted with ATH were interviewed. The participants were recruited by means of purposive sampling. African Traditional Healers were identified through the Kara Heritage Institute in Tshwane, an institution dealing with indigenous knowledge systems. Volunteers were recruited through advertisements (Appendix A) which were placed at the designated working areas of ATH with their permission. Participants completed the information and consent form (Appendix C).

Dissertation submitted in partial compliance with the requirements for the Master’s Degree in Technology: Homoeopathy, Durban University of Technology, 2011. / Recent homoeopathic graduate studies (Babaletakis, 2006 and Sweidan, 2007) indicate that the majority of qualified Homoeopaths are currently practicing yet are experiencing many difficulties along the way. These setbacks are largely related to financial stresses and the difficulties experienced with regards to maintaining a practice. However, a minority of successful homoeopaths that have managed to overcome these difficulties have been identified. AIM This study aimed to identify a minimum of nine successful homoeopaths, and, through an in-depth interview discover their views on success and how they have managed to build up viable practices. The study aimed to identify the factors contributing to the success of these Homoeopathic practices and establish relationships that may have existed between these factors. METHODOLOGY This research was conducted in a qualitative manner, following an ethnographic approach, which also guided the method of data analysis. It was thus a descriptive, case study research design. Interviewees/subjects were selected through snowball sampling. Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with each subject, in which the researcher followed an interview guideline. These interviews were recorded and analysed conceptually. All the transcribed interviews were then further organised by using the software programme NVivo 8.0. which allowed for the process of coding. iv RESULTS Common themes as related to success emerged from the data that was collected. Further analysis revealed links between certain factors that had been identified within the themes. The results reflected that honesty and the ability to listen and understand people, together with perseverance and determination, were qualities that enabled these homoeopaths to achieve success. It was evident that valuing oneself as a practitioner and thus charging accordingly, as well as minimising overheads where possible, all contributed to the viability of the practice. The use of modalities impacted on financial gain and was found to enhance patient numbers. Availability, success of healing and an interactive practitioner - patient relationship was also found to have an effect on patient base stability and size. Burnout was identified as being related to the balance in a practitioner’s lifestyle. A high self-esteem coupled with a good support structure, were factors that minimised burnout. Continued professional development was important to these practitioners as evidently one’s knowledge was seen to have an impact on confidence, patient numbers and thus overall success as a healer. CONCLUSION Success has been attributed to many factors in this study, many of which are interlinked. These findings have provided valuable insight into a successful homoeopathic career.

Submitted in partial compliance with the requirements for a Master’s Degree in Technology: Homoeopathy, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa, 2015. / South Africa has a dual healthcare system which consists of the public and private healthcare sectors. The private healthcare sector is used by a small percentage of South Africans as its services are more expensive. It makes provision for both allopathic and Complementary Alternative Medicine (CAM) practitioners. In contrast, the public healthcare sector employs only allopathic practitioners. Due to its services being rendered free of charge or at very low cost, it caters for the majority of the population and as a result has become overburdened. South Africa’s healthcare system is undergoing major changes in order to ease the burden on the public sector. The integration of homoeopathy into this sector is a possible viable solution. In order to facilitate integration, homoeopathic practitioners should be in agreement with this radical change and suggest ways in which this paradigm shift can be initiated. Hence, the overall aim of this study was to explore the perceptions of homoeopathic practitioners on their role in the public healthcare system in South Africa. The paucity of research on the perceptions of homoeopathic doctors suggests that this is an unexplored topic. This study therefore employed a qualitative approach based on the grounded theory method. Semi-structured interviews were conducted to determine homoeopathic practitioners’ perceptions of this phenomenon. Participants were selected using snowball sampling. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were also used to guide the selection of the research participants. The participants were interviewed individually using an interview guideline. Each interview was audio recorded and transcribed prior to data analysis. Once transcribed, the data was evaluated and analyzed manually. Four commons themes emerged from the data. The prevalence, frequency and variation (in the frequency) of each theme amongst the participants was established. Further analysis revealed links between all four themes. It was evident that knowledge/awareness of homoeopathy, the homoeopathic education system and the in-practice experiences of homoeopathic doctors all influence integration. These factors represented homoeopathic practitioners’ perceptions on such integration. The identification of the factors that influence integration is a clear indication that the homoeopathic practitioners who participated in this study are aware of their role in the public healthcare system and that the majority would welcome a shift from the private to the public healthcare sector. There is thus a need for further nationwide and more in-depth research on integration. / M

Submitted in partial compliance with the requirements for the Master’s Degree in Technology: Homoeopathy, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa, 2014. / Aim of the study The study aimed to identify the knowledge, attitudes and perceptions amongst post graduate homoeopathy students and post basic primary health care nurses serving in a primary health care setting regarding adverse effects associated with childhood vaccinations. Methodology In this qualitative study 18 participants were selected through purposive sampling. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with each participant. The interviews were recorded and analysed conceptually. Results The findings of this study revealed that all of the PHC nursing participants were in favour of the childhood immunisation schedule of South Africa, contrary to the homoeopathic participants where the majority of participants were not in favour of the childhood immunisation schedule. Knowledge, attitudes and perceptions varied amongst the homoeopathic participants in contrast to the PHC nursing participants where there was a much more unified stance and cohesive outcome with regard to their attitudes and perceptions. / M

Submitted in partial compliance with the requirements for the Master’s Degree in Technology: Homoeopathy, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa, 2014. / Aim of the study The study aimed to identify the knowledge, attitudes and perceptions amongst post graduate homoeopathy students and post basic primary health care nurses serving in a primary health care setting regarding adverse effects associated with childhood vaccinations. Methodology In this qualitative study 18 participants were selected through purposive sampling. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with each participant. The interviews were recorded and analysed conceptually. Results The findings of this study revealed that all of the PHC nursing participants were in favour of the childhood immunisation schedule of South Africa, contrary to the homoeopathic participants where the majority of participants were not in favour of the childhood immunisation schedule. Knowledge, attitudes and perceptions varied amongst the homoeopathic participants in contrast to the PHC nursing participants where there was a much more unified stance and cohesive outcome with regard to their attitudes and perceptions. / M