Evidence based medicine (EBM) is the integration of the best available research evidence, clinical expertise and patient preferences. Research shows that the implementation of EBM, i.e. evidence based practice, results in better patient care and patient outcomes, as well as greater satisfaction of treatment by both patients and healthcare practitioners 1.
How does a Naturopath apply EBM?
Personal Preferences
Patient-centred care is foundational to the practice of Naturopathic medicine. Patient-centred care involves mutual decision making between patient and practitioner. It allows patients to take an active role in determining their healthcare plan, fostering respect and empathy, and embracing diversity2.
Naturopathic treatment supports the use of a patient-centred approach in two key areas. Firstly, a naturopathic consultation is typically longer than an appointment with a medical doctor. This allows patients to express their concerns, wishes and treatment goals. Secondly, Naturopaths are specifically trained in communication skills and active listening. Together, these two factors foster a comfortable space for patients to express their needs; allowing Naturopaths to pick up on cues and respond to the preferences of their patients accordingly.
Clinical Expertise
Naturopaths have an extensive toolkit to work with, including herbal and nutritional medicine, and the application of lifestyle and wellness techniques. Naturopaths also utilise pathological and functional laboratory testing to form the basis of their clinical assessment. Modern Naturopathy utilises traditional knowledge in combination with scientific research to develop treatment protocols. The combination of traditional and modern knowledge gives Naturopaths a huge pool of information to draw from when deciding on a treatment plan.
The clinical application of this knowledge is based on the Naturopathic Principals; do no harm, utilise natural healing methods, treat the cause, educate and involve your patient, treat the whole person and prevent the onset of disease3. These principals provide the framework by which a Naturopath can utilise their clinical experience with traditional and modern knowledge to achieve the best outcome for their patients.
Research Evidence
Research for the purpose of its application in EBM involves conducting a literature review of the best available evidence. The practitioner must use a medical research data base to search and appraise the literature, in order to answer a clinical question4. An example of a clinical question a Naturopath may research could be, ‘are soy isoflavones as effective as hormone therapy in the treatment of menopausal hot flushes?’, or ‘is magnesium supplementation effective in reducing blood pressure in stressed, hypertensive patients?’. Modern healthcare has the advantage of the internet, which allows for accessibility and dissemination of scientific research. Naturopaths conduct literature reviews as a part of ongoing professional development, to ensure they are providing their patients with the best possible advice.
Bringing it all together
It is the integration of research with clinical expertise and patient preferences that produces the best outcome for patients and practitioners. Naturopaths utilise time during a patient consultation to understand the needs and values of their patient. By actively listening, and using laboratory testing and clinical expertise, a Naturopath can form an assessment. Then, by incorporating the best available research evidence, the Naturopath can develop a treatment plan based on the unique presentation and individual needs of their patient.
Naturopathy is a holistic and modern medical system that caters to the healthcare needs of this generation. EBM is intrinsically part of modern Naturopathic practice. If you’d like to experience the full benefits of Evidence Based Naturopathic Medicine, follow the link below to book your initial consultation.
References
1. Shortell SM, Rundall TG, Hsu J. Improving patient care by linking evidence-based medicine and evidence-based management. J Am Med Assoc. 2007;298(6):673-676. doi:10.1001/jama.298.6.673
2. ACSQHC. Person-centred care. Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care. Accessed April 1, 2022. https://www.safetyandquality.gov.au/our-work/partnering-consumers/person-centred-care
3. Hechtman L. Clinical Naturopathic Medicine. Elsevier; 2020.
4. Melnyk BM, Fineout-Overholt E, Stillwell SB, Williamson KM. Evidence-based practice: Step by step: The seven steps of evidence-based practice. American Journal of Nursing. 2010;110(1):51-53. doi:10.1097/01.NAJ.0000366056.06605.d2