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Visiting family physicians and naturopathic practitioners. Comparing patient-practitioner interactions
Heather Boon1, Moira Stewart, Mary Ann Kennard
1Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, Ontario. heather.boon@utoronto.ca
Canadian Family Physician Medecin De Famille Canadien
|December 3, 2003
Summary
Patient visits to family physicians (FPs) and naturopathic practitioners (NPs) show more similarities than differences. While visit lengths and reasons varied, both practitioner types offered similar information gathering and treatment planning, with comparable patient-centered care scores.
Area of Science:
- Integrative medicine
- Primary care research
- Healthcare provider comparison
Background:
- Family physicians (FPs) and naturopathic practitioners (NPs) are primary care providers.
- Understanding patient visit dynamics is crucial for healthcare integration.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore similarities and differences in patient visits with FPs and NPs.
- To compare patient-centered care between FPs and NPs.
Main Methods:
- Exploratory study using mixed quantitative and qualitative methods.
- 10 matched practitioners (5 FPs, 5 NPs) recruited 3 patients each.
- Analysis included audiotaped interactions and patient-centered care scores.
Main Results:
- Information gathering and treatment planning were similar for both FPs and NPs.
- Naturopathic practitioner visits were longer (mean 54 min vs. 16.5 min for FPs).
- Patients perceived no significant differences in patient-centered care between FPs and NPs.
Conclusions:
- Visits to FPs and NPs exhibit more similarities than differences.
- Naturopathic practitioners were more likely to recommend natural health products.
- Further research can explore optimal integration of complementary and conventional care.