Prescribing techniques of KwaZulu-Natal homoeopathic practitioners for paediatric patients

Introduction The homoeopathic practice is polarised between the theoretical foundations of traditional homoeopathy and the contemporary practices as employed by homoeopathic practitioners in their respective practices. To date, the process of case taking and prescribing techniques for paediatric patient in homeopathy is largely unexplored and little is understood about its reliability. Despite a plethora of research showing the effectiveness of homoeopathic remedies in the treatment of paediatric patients. Little is known about the different skills and techniques used by homoeopathic practitioners in prescribing for paediatric patients. The objectives of this study were to expand the database of knowledge regarding the prescribing techniques of homoeopathic practitioners when treating children, by investigating practitioners’ diagnostic framework in the treatment of paediatric patients. The study was guided by the questions: to what theoretical and applied foundations do homoeopaths base their prescription for paediatric patients? Methodology A qualitative, explorative, descriptive and contextual design was employed. Qualitative research in this study was considered the most appropriate method to gain an in-depth understanding of the prescribing techniques of homoeopathic practitioners. Convenience sampling was used to recruit a minimum of 10 and maximum of 15 potential research participants from qualified and registered homoeopathic practitioners, but the sample size was only determined once data saturation was obtained. The study population were experienced homoeopathic practitioners with a minimum of five(5) year experience in practice and treating children. The data was collected and analysed using Tesch’s eight-step procedure. Results Results obtained from this study showed that the study cohort had experienced challenges in the treatment of paediatric patients in their early practice, such challenges stem from the inability of children to sensationally express their symptoms. Homoeopathic practitioners have to rely on their own observation, physical examination and secondary information from the parent. Homoeopathic practitioners further added that homoeopathy is perceived as safe by the parents. Though homoeopathic practitioners foreground their practice on individualization principle, majority of the study groups reported that their focus is on the constitutional prescribing whilst also acquiring an in-depth knowledge of the child’s past medical history, pregnancy and labour, physical symptoms and own observation of the child. Furthermore, the practitioners reported that general symptoms of the paediatric patient are very important as they are less subjected to interpretation. Despite the lack of consistency in the prescribing techniques of homoeopathic practitioners, the practitioners reported that homoeopathic remedies are very effective in the treatment of paediatric cases.