Background:

settings Open AccessCommentary Scope of Practice and Principles of Care of Naturopathic Medicine in North America: A Commentary by Leslie Solomonian on behalf of the Pediatric Association of Naturopathic Physicians Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine, Toronto Campus, Toronto, ON M2K 1E2, Canada Academic Editors: Sari A. Acra and Kathleen L.

OBJECTIVES: The use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) has grown substantially in North America and has drawn the attention of conventional-medicine practitioners. Conventional-medicine practitioners have expressed concern about the potential for unregulated CAM therapies to cause harm, the sometimes-uncertain cost-benefit ratios associated with these therapies, and the possibility that some CAM providers might advise against established conventional therapies, such as vaccination. These concerns are heightened with respect to the pediatric use of CAM products.

Echinacea purpurea (L.) Moench was mistakenly taken from North America to Germany in 1939 where it was cultivated and various extractions were prepared and subsequently used to treat upper respiratory tract infections. Parents often administer Echinacea to their children, but safety data on the use of Echinacea in Canadian children is lacking. A screening history, physical examination, and daily record of symptoms from an initial visit through to a the follow-up visit 13 days later were used to increase patient safety. Each subject was administered an aerial part Echinacea extract.

This article reviews available evidence on complementary and alternative medicine in pediatric rheumatology. Despite its common use in pediatric rheumatology (34%-92%), there is still uncertainty as to its efficacy and safety.

Background

To assess chiropractic (DC) and naturopathic doctors' (ND) knowledge, attitudes, and behaviour with respect to the pediatric patients in their practice.

Methods

Cross-sectional surveys were developed in collaboration with DC and ND educators. Surveys were sent to randomly selected DCs and NDs in Ontario, Canada in 2004, and a national online survey was conducted in 2014. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, t-tests, non-parametric tests, and linear regression.

Objectives

To assess chiropractic (DC) and naturopathic doctors’ (ND) pediatric care natural health product (NHP) recommendations.

Design

Surveys were developed in collaboration with DC and ND educators, and delivered as an on-line national survey. NHP dose, form of delivery, and indications across pediatric age ranges (from newborn to 16 years) for each practitioner’s top five NHPs were assessed. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, t-tests, and non-parametric tests.

Objectives

Naturopathic medicine has demonstrated efficacy at reducing risk factors for chronic disease. Targeting health behaviors of parents and caregivers in a group-based setting may improve the behaviors of children in their care. This study sought to assess the feasibility of such a program.

Design

Participants of a six-session health education series were invited to respond to surveys and participate in a focus group about their health behaviors and their experience in the program.