Alternative treatment for infants - a qualitative study about general practitioners experiences and attitudes in Northern Jutland
Student thesis: Master Thesis and HD Thesis
- Monica Lykke Langgaard
5. Term (Master thesis), Medicine, Master (Master Programme)
Background: The popularity of alternative and complementary medicine (CAM) is increasing in most countries, including Denmark. A study from 2017 showed that every fifth infant in Denmark received chiropractic treatment. Aim: This study aims to explore experiences and attitudes of Danish general practitioners (GPs) towards CAM for infants. Methods: This study was performed as a qualitative study based on semi-structured interviews of GPs in Northern Jutland. The GPs were selected to maximise variation among the GPs. The interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data were analysed using systematic text condensation. Results: Overall, three main topics occurred during the analysis; medical education and how that contributes to both scepticism and powerlessness, requirements in relation to alternative treaters and the development in CAM use for infants over time. Firstly, the GPs generally want to be open-minded towards CAM, but due to the limited evidence-based research on the area they are also very sceptical. Secondly, the GPs have specific requirements for the qualifications of alternative treaters. If the treaters are to perform CAM on infants, the GPs expect special education of the treaters and treatments adapted to this specific age group. Lastly, the GPs point out a change in the attitude towards CAM both in society and among doctors. The GPs experience normalisation of alternative manual therapies for infants. The GPs generally wish for more information among GPs about experiences and attitudes with CAM use in infants to give better information to parents. Conclusion: The use of CAM in infants is increasing in Denmark. This study contributes to clarify the GPs experiences and attitudes towards CAM use in infants. Generally, GPs in Northern Jutland have limited experience with this apart from manual therapies. The GPs address several attitudes about CAM use in infants, among others: concerns, requirements, thoughts about advantages and disadvantages.
Language | English |
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Publication date | 2021 |
Number of pages | 17 |