Focus on Alternative and Complementary Therapies
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Focus Alternat Complement Ther©2005 Pharmaceutical Press
Focus Altern Complement Ther 2002; 7: 101
To investigate patients’ views on the consultation at the Glasgow Homoeopathic Hospital (GHH).
Semi-structured individual interviews with 14 GHH outpatients, purposively sampled. Interviews (1–2 h) were taped and transcribed verbatim. Analysis was continuous and iterative, broadly reflecting a grounded theory approach
(1) Themes related to, but ‘outside’, the actual doctor–patient encounter. Key themes here related to expectations, initially formed mainly from experiences of family members and friends, but which then developed with ongoing attendance at GHH. The fact that GHH was part of the NHS and offered an integrative approach was highly valued, and the importance of the physical environment and the attitudes of staff was emphasised. (2) Themes ‘inside’ the consultation: patients valued the time available, the whole-person approach and being treated as an individual. Having their ‘story’ listened to in depth was a major theme. They saw the doctors at GHH as compassionate and positive, often engendering hope. Equality of relationship was also a strong theme, with an emphasis on mutual respect. (3) Other themes: there was some ambiguity about the specific effect of homoeopathy, but not of the consultations, which were regarded as a ‘treatment in themselves’. All felt the holistic approach taken at GHH should be widely available, particularly within primary care and should be part of medical school training.
Patients attending the GHH greatly value the holistic approach. In particular, the ongoing relationship with the doctor is of key importance. Compassion, mutual respect and hope appear to be core components of this therapeutic alliance.
