ABSTRACT
Objective. The aim of the current study was to evaluate which factors predicted a high patient throughput to add more evidence to the phenomena of naturopathic practitioners. Methods. The cross-sectional study was based on a questionnaire with a sample of 1,096 naturopathic practitioners in the German Federal State of Schleswig-Holstein. Besides, sociodemographic data and practice characteristics topics like job satisfaction and feeling for the job were evaluated. This was supplemented with an evaluation of patient traits which were perceived as challenging. Descriptive statistics and binary regression analysis were computed to identify potential predictors to a high patient throughput. Results. A response rate of 29.4% (322/1096 participants) was observed for the study. In general, our sample of the naturopathic practitioners was very satisfied with their job (mean = 6.38). Naturopathic practitioners described that 40% of their patients are challenging. The highest rate was for "aggressive patients." A high patient throughput was predicted with a higher satisfaction rate with the "opportunity to use abilities" and more direct contact with the patient. Conclusions. Therapeutic freedom and time with patients are important factors which are accountable for a high patient throughput. Moreover, our study provides evidence for the understanding of the phenomena of naturopathic practitioners.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: The demand for complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is rising. The German 'Heilpraktiker' is a non-medical naturopathic practitioner (NMNP) providing CAM. Their numbers are rising constantly; however, little is known about their practices and reasons for consultation and on what kind of treatment they offer. METHODS: All 1,096 NMNPs in the German federal state of Schleswig-Holstein were invited to participate in a questionnaire study to gain first insights into their nearly unexplored group setting. RESULTS: A total of 262 NMNPs responded to the itemized questionnaire; 60 answered the questionnaire suggested for non-responders. Out of the 262 NMNPs, 211 (81%) were female. The average age was 53 years. Analyzing the most frequent reasons for consultation, 68.2% were found to be general and unspecified reasons, followed by psychological causes (64.1%) and musculoskeletal complaints (53.1%). About 68% of the participants treat conditions of pain. The most commonly used group of methods was found to comprise para-medicinal procedures. CONCLUSIONS: Our analysis gives first insights into the occupational profile of the German NMNPs, their scope of activities and treatment methods. It is a first step towards health service research that might provide a basis for further studies.
