Dissertation presented to the Faculty of Health at Durban University of Technology in partial compliance with the requirements for the Master’s Degree in Technology: Chiropractic, 2008. / Aims and Objectives: To assess the demographics, career paths and factors affecting chiropractic graduates of Durban University of Technology (DUT) from June 1994 to June 2007. Method: A retrospective qualitative survey was conducted on 62 chiropractic graduates of DUT. The sample represented 25.5% of the total chiropractic population. Raw data regarding the demographics, respondents’ perception of their education, current career paths, the factors responsible for affecting these career paths, as well as a profile of chiropractic practices in South Africa (SA) was obtained. All data acquired was assessed using SAS (Statistical Analysis System) version 9.1.3. The data was purely descriptive, describing respondents’ career paths and their experiences, and no specific hypothesis was investigated. Results: The average respondent was found to be a married, white male who started his chiropractic career at age 25-26 years. A total of 98.4% (n = 61) of the respondents were currently in practice, with 80.6% (n = 50) indicating career satisfaction. The majority (62.9%; n = 39) of respondents perceived there to be a growing acceptance of chiropractic within the medical community, whilst 98.4% (n = 61) stated that they are currently part of an active referral system between various other medical practitioners. 46% (n = 23) listed DUT as their preferred choice of chiropractic institution. Conclusion and Recommendations: The majority of respondents’ indicated DUT as the preferred choice of chiropractic institution due to its location and the system of chiropractic taught (diversified). However, shortcomings in the education were highlighted to be a lack of practically applicable knowledge taught at undergraduate level, most especially business skills and speciality areas and that respondents’ perceived the qualification not to be as versatile and widely accepted as other international chiropractic qualifications. Factors responsible for positively affecting the career paths of chiropractic graduates were indicated to be the personality type of the graduate, the means to finance a practice, support from parents and spouse or partner and the level of acceptance graduates received from the public and other professions within the medical sector. A recommendation for future studies is that a longer time period be given for questionnaires to be returned and a larger sample group be established in order to ensure that the sample group and total population is homogenous.

The intent of this thesis is to explore the various ways in which acupuncturists trained in Quebec interpret and use the term qi in their practice as healers. It argues that these choices are influenced by the implicit connection between complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) and New Age spirituality. As Asian medical systems such as Chinese medicine carve out a niche within the dominant biomedical health-care system, there is a simultaneous desire to present its medical system as scientifically coherent within the biomedical context and a desire to cater to the New Age orientalist fascination with "traditional" Asian medicine and what is perceived as its inherent spiritual qualities. This study concludes that although Quebecois acupuncturists are well-versed in the historical interpretations of the term qi, as well as its medical applications, there is nevertheless a tendency for these practitioners to understand qi as a part of the framework of their own personal spirituality and the relation of that spirituality to their work as healers. Moreover, it is shown that this tendency is strongly informed by the interface of New Age notions concerning healing and the CAM movement. By situating the study within the cultural milieu of Quebec, the specific religio-historical background of this locale and its effects on these practitioners is also taken into consideration.

There are notable differences between the dominant Western medical model of health and the model of CAM, and looking at these differences may provide a greater understanding around doctors’ views towards CAM and its place in the wider health system. The purpose of this dissertation is to provide a systematic literature review into how doctors view complementary and alternative medicine, and to see if this has changed since the 1970s through to 2009. A systematic review of the literature was conducted, mainly using online original research Journal articles from medical databases. The internet was the main tool used in locating data, and literature was included or excluded based on relevance. This was evaluated on the relevance of time period, such as 1970, subject, such as chiropractic, or theme, such as attitudes of doctors to CAM. Literature from the 1970s was scarce on this research question, but this review noted a significant increase in literature on this topic since the 1990s, identifying this research area as a relatively new field of study, with much potential for further exploration into beliefs and attitudes of doctors towards CAM. Scientific research papers that were published highlighted a strong emphasis towards doctors’ requirement for further scientific research on the efficacy of CAM. Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) were the preferred method of testing; however this review also discusses appropriate methodology to test both CAM and doctors’ views and beliefs. The difference between the Western medical model and the CAM model highlights the differences between both concepts; from which this author provides a possible interpretation of doctors’ indifferent views towards CAM using the psychological theory of cognitive dissonance (Festinger, 1957). This theory suggests that a person cannot hold two conflicting beliefs simultaneously, without the presence of cognitive ‘dissonance.’ “The existence of dissonance, being psychologically uncomfortable, will motivate the person to try to reduce the dissonance and achieve consonance” (Festinger, 3: 1957). This systematic review then provides a discussion around how this could explain doctors’ views towards CAM. . This then leads to the question of whether ‘successful integration of Western medicine and CAM is therefore possible’? The systematic review concludes with the highlighting of important issues in regard to the study design and methodology on effectively testing CAM, and on effectively testing doctors’ beliefs: also, the issues around integration and further scientific literature on CAM in a bid to potentially reduce the ‘moderate tone of answering’ that is reported in the literature in regard to doctors’ views towards CAM.

The main purpose of this dissertation is to elucidate the problem of assessing and providing alternative medical technologies. The purpose is divisible into three parts: To investigate the bases of assessment for the acceptance of an alternative medical technology; 2. To investigate the professional and ethical problems connected with the practice of alternative medical technologies and find out whether the views of laymen and physicians differ with regard to the provision of treatments which are not in accordance with science and proven experience; 3. To investigate the interest physicians have shown in alternative medicine and the motives for this interest. These investigations are based partly on a study of the literature on alternative medicine dealing with the effects of the following alternative medical technologies: manipulation therapy, acupuncture, reflexio (zone) therapy, homoeopathy and magnetic therapy, and partly on empirical research into the attitudes expressed by doctors and patients towards non-scientific treatments. The results of these studies show that the acceptance of empirical data cannot be separated from the scientific paradigm within which the investigation has been planned. The documentation of the effect of alternative medical technologies is often empirically insufficient and based, in many instances, on so-called ”personal experience”. The interest shown by accredited physicians in alternative medicine is often motivated by the fact that certain complaints brought to them by their patients cannot be rectified by academic medical methods. The study also shows that physicians have professional interests which the patient is not prepared to respect in the same way as the physician is prepared to respect the right of a patient to refuse to undergo life-saving medical treatment. The main conclusion is that alternative medicine is a heterogeneous field where the interest expressed can be interpreted as a crisis phenomenon and an indication of the need for the assessment of alternative medicine as well as academic medicine. Laymen perceive the ethical and professional problems connected with the practice of alternative medicine relatively differently when compared to physicians. The possibility of scientific co-operation between practitioners of alternative medicine and academic medicine is difficult due to the fact that alternative medicine and academic medicine relate to different scientific paradigms. Clinical co-operation in the case of individual patients, on the other hand, is likely to occur. / <p>Diss. (sammanfattning) Umeå : Umeå universitet, 1991, härtill 6 uppsatser</p> / digitalisering@umu

This study examines the unique cultural practices related to disease prevention and health maintenance within a Holmes County, Ohio Amish community. This research focuses on the many options for healthcare within this community and the decisions behind their use. By engaging with these Amish community members to discuss their methods of managing health, the non-Amish medical professionals who treat Amish patients can learn cultural understandings of health within the community. As we learn that there are useful techniques to health beyond the dominant biomedical model, it is valuable to incorporate more traditional methods into our existing healthcare in to boost compliance and comfort for those seeking medical help.

<p> The need for an adjunctive and alternative program at Alternative, Community, and Correctional Schools and Services (ACCESS) schools is critical to better serve the youth of Orange County. The purpose of this project was to write a grant proposal seeking funds to develop a program that will explore the use of active treatment approaches: healthy diet and exercise as an alternative or adjunct to the use of psychotropic medications among adolescents identified at risk for mental health problems. The proposed program if funded will introduce active approaches to improve the student's self-regulation and level of mental health functioning. The program will involve a nutritional, well balanced diet integrated into their daily life along with daily exercise and a weekly outdoor engagement outing. If funded, this program would result in the adolescent's ability to overcome their mental health challenges holistically, attaining self-sufficiency without pharmacotherapeutic treatment. Submission of this grant is not required for this thesis project.</p>

The following is an inquiry into the phenomenon of “Spirit” and its relation to the practice of locating an acupuncture point. In this context of Traditional Chinese Medicine, which finds its roots in Taoist tradition, the aspect of Spirit shen is understood as being inextricably inter-related, inter-dependent and inter-connected with the Body and Mind aspects of this triune. Eight practitioners agreed to participate in a taped interview describing the experience of locating an acupoint. Although each practitioner described an experience which was unique, four threads emerged which are similar: (1) the practitioner focuses a body mediated awareness inward; (2) this awareness is then extended to the patient; (3) then there is the experience of movement toward the point both with intention and a palpating finger; and (4) when the point has been located there is a pause, followed by the sensation of arrival of the patient’s qi at the acupoint.

<p> This study examined the effects of a mindfulness-based coaching intervention on perception and emotional regulation shifts related to workplace stressors (internal and external), quality of worklife, interpersonal relationships, and general sense of well-being of high-level executives (HLE) who indicated a desire to improve these areas of their worklife. </p><p> Participants in this study were six HLEs, responsible for managing the direction and change strategies of the organization or department under their charge, who supervise, manage others, and work in dynamic environments. Participants identified negative stress response and emotional regulation as well as being focused on the past and the future to be a challenge in their daily work lives. </p><p> Kabat-Zinn (2012) posited that mindfulness practice can provide the practitioner with a true embracing of a deeper sense of self and others, which can permeate life and transform the relationship to how one thinks, feels and works. Marlatt and Kristeller (1999) described mindfulness as "bringing one's complete attention to the present experience on a moment to moment basis" (p. 9). </p><p> The study included an 8-week mindfulness coaching intervention, pre and post questionnaires, semi-structured interviews. Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), HeartMath Mindful-Hearth Intelligence workbook, tools, exercises and practice were used within a coaching frame work. </p><p> A multiple case study design was used and a thematic analysis of the coaching intervention was conducted. The analysis detailed themes and patterns in shifts and changes in perception, emotional regulation around stress response, relationships, and general sense of well-being. </p><p> The study elucidated the impact of these interventions on HLEs. Several themes emerged as assets for participants during the intervention, specifically, work stress management, heightened awareness, and acceptance. Suggestion for further research would be to explore the hardiness of the process of acceptance in deepening the impact of the other central themes. An unanticipated result which was explored was the extent to which participants came to understand with kindness and curiosity the negative aspects of nondisclosure within their work culture. </p>

Background: Globally the use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) has dramatically increased in the last few decades. In India CAM is used both as medical treatment and health care methods enhancing wellness. Aim: To explore nurse’s experiences of complementary alternative medical care as care methods in clinical settings in Karnataka, India. Methods: A qualitative interview study with semi-structured interviews was carried out. Four individual interviews were conducted with nurses working in two clinical settings in Karnataka, India. The data was analysed using a content analysis.  Results: Two main themes emerged from the content analysis: Caring as a challenge and Dealing with challenges. Discussions: The result is discussed using Travelbee’s’ theory on interactions.

Siekiant surinkti ir susisteminti duomenis apie onkologinėmis ligomis sergančių pacientų greta gydytojo paskirto gydymo vartojamas papildomas priemones, vykdytas tiriamasis interviu, kurio metu naudotas pagrindinis tyrimo instrumentas – trijų dalių klausimynas. Tyrimo dalyviai: Lietuvos sveikatos mokslų universiteto ligoninės Kauno klinikų Chemoterapijos dienos stacionaro pacientai bei Alytaus apskrities onkologinėmis ligomis sergančių žmonių asociacijos „Bendrakeleivės“ nariai. Iš viso – 90 respondentų, dažniausiai sergančių: krūties (30 proc.), kraujo (7 proc.), žarnyno (5 proc.), priešinės liaukos (4 proc.) vėžiu. Tyrimo rezultatai parodė, kad 73 proc. pacientų naudoja papildomas priemones. Apklausos metu nustatytos 134 natūralios kilmės papildomų priemonių rūšys, iš kurių 123 – vaistinių augalų rūšys, priklausančios 52 šeimoms. Citavimų kiekiu (proc.) išsiskiria 6 vaistinių augalų šeimos: astrinių (Asteraceae ) – 20 proc., erškėtinių (Rosaceae) – 9 proc., salierinių (Apiaceae) – 7 proc., bastutinių (Brassicacea) – 6 proc., aguoninių (Papaveraceae) – 6 proc., pupinių (Fabaceae) – 4 proc. Krūties bei žarnyno vėžiu sergantys respondentai dažniausiai naudoja vaistinę medetką (Calendula officinalis L.) ir paprastąją kraujažolę (Achillea millefolium L.) – 5 proc. citavimų skaičiaus. Paprastąją kiaulpienę (Taraxacum officinale F. H. Wigg. s. l.) ir tikrąjį margainį (Silybum marianum L.) paprastai renkasi kraujo vėžiu sergantys pacientai – 11 proc. citavimų skaičiaus. Nustatytos... [toliau žr. visą tekstą] / In order to collect and organize data from the use of complementary measures used in addition to a physician prescribed treatment among cancer patients, was conducted exploratory interviews during which was used the main research instrument – a three – part questionnaire. Study participants: patients of Lithuanian University of Health Sciences Kaunas Clinics Hospital Chemotherapy Day Care department and fellow members of Alytus County cancer patients association “Bendrakeleivės”. A total number of 90 respondents participated in this study, mostly with: breast (30%), blood (7%), intestine (5%), prostate (4%) cancer. The results showed that 73% patients use complementary measures. The survey established 134 additional measures types of natural origin. 123 from the previously mentioned were medicinal plant species, belonging to 52 families. Citations content (%) stands 6 medicinal plants of the family Asteraceae – 20%, Rosaceae – 9%, Apiaceae – 7%, Brassicaceae – 6%, Papaveraceae – 6%, Fabaceae – 4%. Breast and intestine cancer patients mainly use marigold (Calendula officinalis L.) and common yarrow (Achillea millefolium L.) – 5% of citation number. Ordinary dandelion (Taraxacum officinale F. H. Wigg. s. l.) and actual milk thistle (Silybum marianum L.) usually opt for blood cancer patients – 11% of citation number. 6 from the previously mentioned were animal species, of which most of the times (34%) was cited gray toad (Bufo bufo) used among breast (26% ) and prostate (8%)... [to full text]