Naturopathic Medicine

The Role of Traditional, Complementary, and Integrative Healthcare (TCIH) Therapies and Practices in the Prevention and/or Treatment of COVID-19: An Umbrella Review

sana — Fri, 12 Jan 2024 15:49:06 +0000

The Role of Traditional, Complementary, and Integrative Healthcare (TCIH) Therapies and Practices in the Prevention and/or Treatment of COVID-19: An Umbrella Review sana Fri, 01/12/2024 - 10:49

Guest editorial

DOI link: https://doi.org/10.54434/candj.162

Author

Iva Lloyd, Kieran Cooley, and Amie Steel

Citedate

2023-12-28

Citation

Lloyd, Iva, Kieran Cooley, and Amie Steel. 2023. “The Role of Traditional, Complementary, and Integrative Healthcare (TCIH) Therapies and Practices in the Prevention and/Or Treatment of COVID-19: An Umbrella Review”. CAND Journal 30 (4):2-4.

Publication

CAND Journal

Taxonomy

Naturopathic Medicine

Applying the Attrition Model to the Medical System: A Critique of the Current Resistance by the Naturopathic Profession in Canada to the Dominant Paradigm

sana — Thu, 16 Nov 2023 17:34:02 +0000

Applying the Attrition Model to the Medical System: A Critique of the Current Resistance by the Naturopathic Profession in Canada to the Dominant Paradigm sana Thu, 11/16/2023 - 12:34

Abstract

The premise and attrition model of resistance proposed by some in the anti-psychiatry movement are relevant to all subspecialties of medicine. Themes of monopolization, capitalization and marginalization harmfully affect the delivery of health care across all domains and minimize systemic and structural contributors to health and disease. Naturopathic medicine offers promise to effectively support individuals and communities in navigating modern obstacles to good health but may, in practice, be ina vertently reinforcing the dominant paradigm. The attrition model offers guidance for a steady, strategic resistance instead.

DOI link: https://doi.org/10.54434/candj.139

Author

Solomonian L, Osborne B

Citedate

2023-09-28

Citation

Solomonian L, Osborne B. Applying the Attrition Model to the Medical System: A Critique of the Current Resistance by the Naturopathic Profession in Canada to the Dominant Paradigm. CANDJ [Internet]. 2023 Sep. 28 [cited 2023 Nov. 16];30(3):17-22.

Publication

CAND Journal

Taxonomy

Naturopathic Medicine

The Critical Role of Diet in the Prevention and Treatment of Mental Disorders: An Opportunity for the Naturopathic Profession to Positively Impact the Burden of Illness Using a Recently Developed Clinical Tool

sana — Thu, 16 Nov 2023 17:08:31 +0000

The Critical Role of Diet in the Prevention and Treatment of Mental Disorders: An Opportunity for the Naturopathic Profession to Positively Impact the Burden of Illness Using a Recently Developed Clinical Tool sana Thu, 11/16/2023 - 12:08

Abstract

The burden of mental illness is high, and currently available treatments do not meet the needs of all people affected. Conventional treatment options for mental disorders are not always accessible, effective, or well tolerated, and many individuals therefore seek complementary therapies. There is emerging and compelling evidence that diet is an important modifiable risk factor in the development and progression of mental illnesses, and early evidence suggests that diet modification is an effective therapeutic intervention.

However, dietary counselling in the context of mental health care is currently underutilized, including in the delivery of naturopathic care. A recently created clinical tool meant to facilitate dietary counselling in mental health care is presented along with a description of its development and a discussion of barriers. There is an opportunity for naturopathic doctors to use this tool or other resources to support individuals experiencing mental i lness through dietary counselling and to be leaders in the use of diet change for the treatment of mental health conditions.

DOI link: https://doi.org/10.54434/candj.148

Author

Aucoin M, Barbaro D

Citedate

2023-09-28

Citation

Aucoin M, Barbaro D. The Critical Role of Diet in the Prevention and Treatment of Mental Disorders: An Opportunity for the Naturopathic Profession to Positively Impact the Burden of Illness Using a Recently Developed Clinical Tool. CANDJ [Internet]. 2023

Publication

CAND Journal

Taxonomy

Naturopathic Medicine

Challenging the Maligning of Homemade Human Milk Substitutes During a Shortage of Commercial Formula

sana — Fri, 07 Jul 2023 18:15:38 +0000

Challenging the Maligning of Homemade Human Milk Substitutes During a Shortage of Commercial Formula sana Fri, 07/07/2023 - 14:15

ABSTRACT

Infant formula (human milk substitutes) has been commercialized and capitalized in such a way that during times of shortages, families unable to offer human milk struggle to provide for their infant’s needs. A thoughtfully designed and safely prepared homemade recipe may meet the needs of families struggling to access commercial products. Analysis of a simple recipe indicates that it appears to be of greater nutritional value than the emergency formula suggested by the World Health Organization. Naturopathic doctors play a key role in empowering parents to provide safe and reliable nutrition for infants. As a profession, we have a great responsibility to advocate for the decommodification of food in order to promote food security and sovereignty, ensuring that people of all ages, including infants, have access to the most appropriate food for their health.

DOI link: https://doi.org/10.54434/candj.130

Author

Watters A, Holpuch M, Solomonian L.

Citedate

2023-06-29

Citation

Watters A, Holpuch M, Solomonian L. Challenging the Maligning of Homemade Human Milk Substitutes During a Shortage of Commercial Formula. CANDJ [Internet]. 2023 Jun. 29 [cited 2023 Jul. 7];30(2):14-9.

Publication

CAND Journal

Taxonomy

Naturopathic Medicine

Supporting Medical Student Wellness During a Pandemic: A Pilot Study of an Extra-Curricular Resilience-Promotion Program

sana — Fri, 07 Jul 2023 18:11:34 +0000

Supporting Medical Student Wellness During a Pandemic: A Pilot Study of an Extra-Curricular Resilience-Promotion Program sana Fri, 07/07/2023 - 14:11

Background:

Medical students face a unique collection of stressors, both intrinsic and external with consequences to health and well-being, ultimately impacting patient care. Health education institutions play a role in perpetuating or mitigating this experience of stress.

Objective:

This pilot project aimed to identify the impact of an extra-curricular wellness program on well-being among naturopathic medical students.

Methods:

Participants engaged in a 2-day facilitated wellness retreat followed by three monthly workshops, which coincided with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Frequencies of pre-defined behaviours, and validated measures of stress, resilience, and mental health were assessed prior to the start of the program, immediately upon completion, and 6 months after the program concluded and were compared with wait-listed controls.

Results:

There was a clear trend toward reduced stress perception and anxiety, along with improved resilience among program participants through the duration of the study and compared with controls. The positive trends over the course of the study, especially during a global pandemic, suggests that the intervention was beneficial to participants.

Conclusion:

The results suggest that supporting students in cultivating the skills of resilient coping may reduce perceived stress and improve mental health for medical students, even during times of uncontrollable external stress.

DOI link: https://doi.org/10.54434/candj.138

Author

Solomonian L, Crawford L, Mohmand S, Monteiro S, Neves T.

Citedate

2023-06-29

Citation

Solomonian L, Crawford L, Mohmand S, Monteiro S, Neves T. Supporting Medical Student Wellness During a Pandemic: A Pilot Study of an Extra-Curricular Resilience-Promotion Program. CANDJ [Internet]. 2023 Jun. 29 [cited 2023 Jul. 7];30(2):4-13.

Publication

CAND Journal

Taxonomy

Naturopathic Medicine

Co-Design of an Evidence-Based Practice Continuing Education Course for Canadian Naturopathic Doctors

sana — Fri, 19 May 2023 20:48:19 +0000

Co-Design of an Evidence-Based Practice Continuing Education Course for Canadian Naturopathic Doctors sana Fri, 05/19/2023 - 16:48

Objective:

Evidence-based practice (EBP) is a clinical decision-making process combining the best available scientific evidence with clinician expertise and patient preference. While EBP has been associated with a range of benefits, it is recognized that EBP is used suboptimally by a range of health professionals, including naturopathic doctors (NDs). Canadian NDs have expressed a high level of interest in opportunities to improve their EBP skills; however, barriers exist, including those that apply broadly to health professionals, and those that are unique to the naturopathic profession. The objective of the present project was to co-design an EBP continuing education (CE) course tailored to the needs and preferences of Canadian NDs.

Design:

These needs were solicited through the use of focus groups. Groups were stratified based on participants' use of evidence at baseline. The focus groups asked NDs about their definition of EBP, and their interest in an EBP course, including preferred content, and method of delivery. The focus group discussions were transcribed, and thematic analysis was completed.

Subjects:

Twenty-two Canadian NDs participated.

Results:

Participants reported a high level of understanding of EBP, a high level of interest in participating in an EBP course and provided actionable recommendations about course content and delivery. Some of the themes that emerged were consistent across the groups while others differed by stratification.

Conclusion:

The findings of this project will inform the development and evaluation of a future CE course.

DOI link: https://doi.org/10.1089/jicm.2022.0730

Author

Monique Aucoin, Genevieve Newton, Matthew Leach, and Kieran Cooley

Citedate

2023-04-21

Citation

Monique Aucoin, Genevieve Newton, Matthew Leach, and Kieran Cooley. Co-Design of an Evidence-Based Practice Continuing Education Course for Canadian Naturopathic Doctors. Journal of Integrative and Complementary Medicine.

Publication

Journal of Integrative and Complementary Medicine

Taxonomy

Naturopathic Medicine

Retention and Registration Status of Naturopathic Doctors from Accredited Naturopathic Educational Programs in Canada – A Cross-Sectional Analysis

sana — Mon, 03 Apr 2023 14:16:43 +0000

Retention and Registration Status of Naturopathic Doctors from Accredited Naturopathic Educational Programs in Canada – A Cross-Sectional Analysis sana Mon, 04/03/2023 - 10:16

Objective:

This cross-sectional analysis describes the entry to practice and continuing registration of cohorts from the two accredited naturopathic medical educational programs in Canada.

Methods:

Cohorts from the 91�� (CCNM)-Toronto and CCNM-Boucher were included and analyzed based on jurisdiction of registration, time between graduation and registration, current registration status, and the percentage achieving advanced training and certification.

Results:

A total of 565 graduates from CCNM-Toronto and 296 graduates from CCNM-Boucher were analyzed. 53.3% (n=459) were registered with the naturopathic regulator in Ontario, 34.0% (n=293) with the naturopathic regulator in British Columbia, 9.1% (n=78) with other regulators or professional associations in Canada and 3.6% (n=31) internationally. 47.3% (n=360) acquired registration within 5 to 7 months of graduation and 23.1% (n=176) within 8 to 11 months. The registration status of 74.8% (n=644) was listed as active. Of the naturopathic doctors (NDs) working in jurisdictions where these certifications are optional, 69.0% (n=392) had their prescribing certification and 49.8% (n=302) had their Intravenous and Injection Therapies (IVIT) certification.

Conclusion:

This cross-sectional analysis indicated that 2 to 3 years following graduation, the NDs sampled have a similar or higher retention rate as other healthcare professionals. The majority of graduates are registered to practice in the same province as the naturopathic program they attended. A higher percentage of NDs practicing in British Columbia than in Ontario have additional training and certification in prescribing and intravenous therapies, which may be a reflection of the broader scope of practice in that province.

DOI link: https://doi.org/10.54434/candj.135

Author

Lloyd I, Cooley K, O’Reilly S, Saunders P

Citedate

2023-03-30

Citation

Lloyd I, Cooley K, O’Reilly S, Saunders P. Retention and Registration Status of Naturopathic Doctors from Accredited Naturopathic Educational Programs in Canada – A Cross-Sectional Analysis. CANDJ [Internet]. 2023 Mar. 30 [cited 2023 Apr. 3];30(1):16-23.

Publication

CANDJ

Taxonomy

Naturopathic Medicine

Interim Report on a Live Review of Systematic Reviews of Natural Health Products and Natural Therapies in the Prevention and/or Treatment of COVID-19

sana — Mon, 03 Apr 2023 13:15:57 +0000

Interim Report on a Live Review of Systematic Reviews of Natural Health Products and Natural Therapies in the Prevention and/or Treatment of COVID-19 sana Mon, 04/03/2023 - 09:15

Objective:

This living review of systematic reviews investigates the types and volume of research pertaining to natural health products and therapies as they relate to the prevention and/or treatment of COVID-19 and post-COVID syndrome.

Methods:

A monthly search for published peer-reviewed systematic reviews of the topic was initiated May 2022 and is ongoing. Using a systematic keyword search strategy with clear inclusion and exclusion criteria, a summary of the types of studies included, the overall outcome and treatment focus were assessed.

Results:

A total of 225 systematic reviews encompassing 5,636 studies of randomized controlled trials (49.8%, n=112), observational studies (21.3%, n=48), clinical studies (20.4%, n=46), and other studies (12%, n=27) were included. Of those, 28.9% (n=65) of the systematic reviews focused on prevention, 67.6% (n=152) on treatment, and 3.1% (n=8) on post-COVID. The natural health products reviewed included herbal medicine, vitamins, minerals, other natural health products, and other therapies, with 83.5% (n=188) of all systematic reviews stating a positive outcome and beneficial potential of the natural treatment or therapy investigated.

Conclusion:

This living systematic review concludes that there is a growing interest in research pertaining to natural health products and therapies with respect to the prevention of COVID-19 infections and addressing disease severity and mortality, especially in adjunct to conventional medical intervention. Nonetheless, there is a lack of high-quality evidence and consistency in outcome reporting across the large breadth of natural treatment and management options.

DOI link: https://doi.org/10.54434/candj.136

Author

Lloyd I, Cooley K, Remy D

Citedate

2023-03-30

Citation

Lloyd I, Cooley K, Remy D. Interim Report on a Live Review of Systematic Reviews of Natural Health Products and Natural Therapies in the Prevention and/or Treatment of COVID-19. CANDJ [Internet]. 2023 Mar. 30 [cited 2023 Apr. 3];30(1):3-15.

Publication

CANDJ

Taxonomy

Naturopathic Medicine

Favouring Responsible Publishing: Creating a Database of Researchers and Surveying Their Knowledge, Attitudes and Opinions towards Open Access Publishing and a New Field-Specific Journal

sana — Mon, 09 Jan 2023 17:30:35 +0000

Favouring Responsible Publishing: Creating a Database of Researchers and Surveying Their Knowledge, Attitudes and Opinions towards Open Access Publishing and a New Field-Specific Journal sana Mon, 01/09/2023 - 12:30

Introduction:

There may be value to understanding the interests and needs of a journal’s audience, particularly regarding open access publishing (OAP) and behaviours associated with predatory publishing while establishing a new field-specific journal. As a new journal facing potential challenges in the publishing space, the Journal of Natural Health Product Research (JNHPR) undertook a stakeholder and community feedback initiative on publishing research in the field of natural health products (NHPs). To our knowledge, this is the first study where academic representatives of the journal used this method to examine the knowledge, attitudes, and opinions of its potential audience.

Methods:

A database of international researchers in the NHP field was built using publicly available online data. Most NHP researchers were identified by a keyword-based, systematic search, with a small percentage discovered through snowball sampling. A survey was distributed to all identified researchers to collect their knowledge, attitudes, and opinions about OAP and the JNHPR.

Results:

The survey was completed by 167 NHP researchers and demonstrated a wide range of attitudes and opinions about OAP. Most respondents were familiar with OAP and preferred the OAP model over a subscription-based journal. Additionally, responses indicated that OAP is a polarizing and controversial subject. Positives included the wider circulation and potential for shorter publication times, while negatives included the potential for less rigorous peer-review standards and generally higher costs. Regardless of perceptions on OAP, impact factor, reputation, scope, and indexing were the most valued factors when choosing a journal for submission.

Discussion:

According to the survey results, the JNHPR excels in some areas while also needing to improve in others. The journal succeeds in two areas: its broad scope, which attracts NHP researchers from a variety of disciplines, and its rapid publishing time. Indexing and further reduced publication fees for low-income nations were mentioned as areas in need of improvement.

Conclusions:

This approach may be useful to researchers who wish to launch their own journal in the future to gain a better understanding of their potential audience’s knowledge, attitudes, and opinions, allowing for better engagement and service.

DOI Link: https://doi.org/10.33211/jnhpr.27

Author

Jeremy Ng, Halton Quach, Jeremy Steen, Ming Zheng, Tushar Dhawan, Julian Vincent T. Dychiao, Aisha Hashmani, Bismah Jameel, Kirrthana Jegathesan, Leah Kogan, Xiao Wen (Vivian) Li, Natasha Reyes, Jill Shah, Fredrick D. Ashbury, Kieran Cooley, Pierre Haddad

Citedate

2022-11-24

Citation

Journal of Natural Health Product Research 2022, Vol. 4, Iss. 2, pp. 1–14

Publication

Journal of Natural Health Product Research

Taxonomy

Naturopathic Medicine

2022 INCAM Research Symposium

sana — Thu, 03 Nov 2022 20:47:55 +0000

2022 INCAM Research Symposium sana Thu, 11/03/2022 - 16:47

Abstract:

The following are abstracts of research presentations given at the 12th INCAM Research Symposium. The theme for this year’s conference was “Reconnecting Resilient Communities: Integrative Health Research & Promoting Wellness” which was held as a virtual conference on October 13-14 and 17-18, 2022, hosted by the Centre for Integrative Medicine and the Department of Community Health and Epidemiology of the University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada. The abstracts are grouped under the categories of oral or poster presentation based on how they were presented at the Symposium. For more information, please visit: iscmr.org/content/incam/canadian-chapter-incam.

DOI Link: https://doi.org/10.1515/jcim-2022-0363

Author

Gowan D, Baskwill A, Khamba B, Leis Am Ng, J, Cooley K

Citedate

2022-11-01

Citation

Gowan D, Baskwill A, Khamba B, Leis Am Ng, J, Cooley K. Abstracts from the 2022 INCAM Research Symposium - Reconnecting Resilient Communities: Integrative Health Research and Promoting Wellness. Journal of Complementary and Integrative Medicine. 2022.

Publication

Journal of Complementary and Integrative Medicine

Taxonomy

Naturopathic Medicine