Participate in Primary Research

We are looking for naturopaths and naturopathic doctors from any country to participate in an exciting international study examining the naturopathic management of respiratory tract infections in children. Further information about the study is provided below.

WHAT is the study?

The purpose of this study is to describe the naturopathic approach to the management of respiratory tract infections in children. The study will use a Delphi technique to obtain group consensus on this topic, which will be determined through a series of iterative rounds of questionnaires. The study is being conducted by clinicians and researchers from the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine (CCNM), National University of Health Sciences (NUHS), National University of Natural Medicine (NUNM), University of South Australia, the Pediatric Association of Naturopathic Physicians (PedANP) and the World Naturopathic Federation (WNF).

WHY is the study being conducted?

The risks of unnecessary antibiotic use are clear. It is in the best interest of public health to explore strategies that will help children recover effectively from illness without the use of antibiotics. The Centre for Disease Control has identified five respiratory conditions (i.e., acute otitis media, pharyngitis, rhinitis, sinusitis, and bronchiolitis) that require particular scrutiny in terms of antibiotic stewardship. This study seeks to identify strategies used by experienced naturopathic practitioners to treat these conditions. It is theorized that these strategies may fill the gap between watchful waiting and antibiotic prescription, thus reducing the need for antibiotics. The results from this study may inform future observational and/or whole systems research to test the safety and effectiveness of naturopathic interventions aimed at reducing the use of unnecessary antibiotic prescriptions.

WHO can be involved?

Naturopaths or naturopathic doctors experienced in pediatric care in any country are eligible to participate. This can be either (a) a licensed naturopathic doctor who has provided direct care to the pediatric population for at least five years, and who ministers to children who are suffering from respiratory tract infections; (b) a licensed naturopathic doctor who holds a faculty position in a medical educational institution for at least five years, and provides education regarding the management of children with respiratory tract infections; or (c) a licensed naturopathic doctor who has been engaged in research regarding the pediatric population for at least five years, and has performed specific scholarship with respect to the management of pediatric respiratory infections). Fluency in written English is also required to participate.

HOW can I get involved?

Provide us with your contact information to express your interest, and/or nominate someone else that might be a good fit. We will then forward you our official invitation.

Research team: Leslie Solomonian, Jamine Blesoff, Luciano Garofalo, Sandra Lucas, Matthew Leach

Contact: lsolomonian@ccnm.edu