Introduction
In the realm of healthcare, alternative health practices have gained popularity as individuals seek holistic and non-conventional treatment options. However, the risks associated with these practices are often underexplored and misunderstood. A recent study titled "A taxonomy of risk-associated alternative health practices: A Delphi study" provides valuable insights into these risks and offers a new framework for understanding alternative health care. This blog aims to guide practitioners, especially those involved in online therapy services like TinyEYE, on how to leverage the findings of this study to enhance their skills and decision-making processes.
Key Findings from the Delphi Study
The study, conducted with an interdisciplinary panel of 17 health experts, sought to classify risk-associated alternative health practices. The findings are significant for practitioners in the field of speech-language pathology and online therapy, as they highlight potential risks that could impact therapy outcomes.
- Functional Definition of Alternative Health Care: The study provides a new definition that helps delineate alternative health practices from conventional biomedical care.
- Taxonomy of Risks: A comprehensive taxonomy categorizes alternative health practices into four groups: those conflicting with biomedical care, largely untested therapies, alternative belief systems, and physical manipulative therapies.
- Significant Harms Identified: Some practices were found to pose significant risks, including major physical injuries or even death.
- Lack of Systematic Recording: The study highlights the absence of systematic methods for recording adverse events, making it challenging to establish the frequency of such events.
Implications for Practitioners
For practitioners providing online therapy services, understanding these risks is crucial. Here are some ways practitioners can use this information to improve their skills:
- Informed Decision-Making: By being aware of the risks associated with alternative health practices, practitioners can make more informed decisions about integrating such practices into therapy plans.
- Enhanced Communication: Practitioners can better communicate potential risks to clients and caregivers, ensuring that they are fully informed about the therapies being considered.
- Encouraging Further Research: Practitioners should stay updated with ongoing research and consider participating in studies to contribute to the growing body of knowledge on alternative health practices.
Conclusion
The findings from the Delphi study offer a crucial perspective on the risks associated with alternative health practices. For practitioners at TinyEYE and beyond, these insights can guide better decision-making and improve therapy outcomes for children. By understanding and addressing these risks, practitioners can ensure that their services remain safe, effective, and evidence-based.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: A taxonomy of risk-associated alternative health practices: A Delphi study.
