Approaches to clinical decision-making: a qualitative study of naturopaths

Abstract

The type of information used and its application in clinical practice has generated interest due to its relationship to evidence-based medicine (EBM). However, it is also acknowledged that the principles of EBM place less value on practitioners' experience and intuitive insights when making clinical decisions. Research in this area has been conducted with conventional health professionals, meanwhile complementary and alternative medicine practitioners such as naturopaths have received little attention. In response interviews were undertaken with naturopaths to explore their approach to information-seeking and application in clinical settings. Thematic analysis identified how naturopaths incorporate deductive reasoning alongside intuition and clinical experience to overcome difficulties in applying information to relevant clinical situations. This research provides an understanding of the approach taken by naturopaths to improve the relevance of available data when making clinical decisions and is of significance for health policy and health service delivery in this area.