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A Prospective Longitudinal Survey about Parents' Experiences with an Integrative-Therapy Concept for Acute

Melanie Schwermer1,2, Alfred Längler3,4, Thomas Ostermann5

  • 1Gemeinschaftskrankenhaus Herdecke, Herdecke, Germany, melanie.schwermer@uni-wh.de.

Complementary Medicine Research
|May 28, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Parents reported high satisfaction with anthroposophic therapies for acute gastroenteritis in children. The anthroposophic approach and medicines positively impacted recovery, improving the overall hospital experience.

Area of Science:

  • Integrative medicine
  • Pediatric care
  • Anthroposophic medicine

Background:

  • Acute gastroenteritis is a common childhood illness.
  • Anthroposophic medicine offers drug and non-drug supportive therapies.
  • Parental satisfaction is crucial for pediatric recovery.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess the effectiveness and parental satisfaction of anthroposophic therapies for acute gastroenteritis in children.
  • To evaluate the impact of the hospital stay on children's recovery.
  • To identify factors influencing parental satisfaction and recovery.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective longitudinal survey of parents of hospitalized children (April 2018-April 2020).
  • Data collected at two time points: during hospitalization (t1) and 4-6 weeks post-discharge (t2).
  • Survey included socio-demographics, symptom course, parental satisfaction, and recovery factors.

Main Results:

  • Symptom reduction observed during hospitalization.
  • Parents rated therapy effectiveness as good (1.8 ± 0.6) and satisfaction as very good (1.5 ± 0.5).
  • Anthroposophic concept, medicines, and rehydration therapy were perceived as most beneficial. Parents of older children reported higher satisfaction.

Conclusions:

  • Parents expressed high satisfaction with the anthroposophic therapy concept.
  • The anthroposophic approach demonstrated beneficial effects on disease course and recovery.
  • Parental experience and satisfaction are key components of successful pediatric treatment.
Abstract

Keywords:
Acute gastroenteritisAkute GastroenteritisAnthroposophic medicineAnthroposophische MedizinGastro-entérite aiguëIntegrative MedizinIntegrative medicineMédecine anthroposophiqueMédecine intégrativePediatricsPädiatriePédiatrie

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