A qualitative exploration of public healthcare providers’ preparedness for complementary and alternative medicine integration
1
School of Public Health Medicine, University of KwaZulu Natal (UKZN), Durban, South Africa
2
Homoeopathy, Durban University of Technology (DUT), Durban, South Africa
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION:
Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) practitioners currently address the health needs of South Africans through private practice only. As the majority of the population cannot afford private healthcare, CAM services are not accessible to most. The aim of this study was to explore the preparedness of healthcare professionals towards the integration of CAM into public healthcare in South Africa. Three public hospitals in Durban were selected as study sites.
METHODS:
This qualitative study followed grounded theory methodology. The study sample consisted of 14 medical professionals. Data was collected through in-depth semi-structured interviews which were recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data analysis was by means of coding and thematic analysis. Steps included open coding (attaching descriptive codes to text), organising codes into emerging themes, theoretical sampling (comparison of new data with existing codes and categories), axial coding (codes grouped into broader categories) and finally selective coding (identifying central themes and sub-themes).
RESULTS:
Five main themes and 20 sub-themes were identified. Main themes identified were limited understanding of CAM by medical professionals, different approaches towards patient interaction and treatment, health providers' doubt about therapeutic efficacy of CAM, lack of awareness of training and registration requirements for CAM practitioners, and the potential for CAM to be integrated into primary health care (PHC).
CONCLUSIONS:
This study provided critical insights into the preparedness of healthcare professionals for the integration of CAM practitioners and CAM therapies into the public healthcare sector. Based on the findings, the researcher developed a grounded theory suggesting that healthcare providers are currently not prepared, educationally, structurally, or attitudinally, for such integration. While some participants acknowledged the relevance and demand for CAM, misconceptions about safety, efficacy, and legitimacy remain significant barriers. For integration to be feasible and effective, strategic investment in education, awareness-raising, regulation, and interprofessional engagement is essential.
Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) practitioners currently address the health needs of South Africans through private practice only. As the majority of the population cannot afford private healthcare, CAM services are not accessible to most. The aim of this study was to explore the preparedness of healthcare professionals towards the integration of CAM into public healthcare in South Africa. Three public hospitals in Durban were selected as study sites.
METHODS:
This qualitative study followed grounded theory methodology. The study sample consisted of 14 medical professionals. Data was collected through in-depth semi-structured interviews which were recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data analysis was by means of coding and thematic analysis. Steps included open coding (attaching descriptive codes to text), organising codes into emerging themes, theoretical sampling (comparison of new data with existing codes and categories), axial coding (codes grouped into broader categories) and finally selective coding (identifying central themes and sub-themes).
RESULTS:
Five main themes and 20 sub-themes were identified. Main themes identified were limited understanding of CAM by medical professionals, different approaches towards patient interaction and treatment, health providers' doubt about therapeutic efficacy of CAM, lack of awareness of training and registration requirements for CAM practitioners, and the potential for CAM to be integrated into primary health care (PHC).
CONCLUSIONS:
This study provided critical insights into the preparedness of healthcare professionals for the integration of CAM practitioners and CAM therapies into the public healthcare sector. Based on the findings, the researcher developed a grounded theory suggesting that healthcare providers are currently not prepared, educationally, structurally, or attitudinally, for such integration. While some participants acknowledged the relevance and demand for CAM, misconceptions about safety, efficacy, and legitimacy remain significant barriers. For integration to be feasible and effective, strategic investment in education, awareness-raising, regulation, and interprofessional engagement is essential.
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
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