OUTCOMES FROM HOMEOPATHIC PRESCRIBING IN SECONDARY CARE HOMEOPATHIC HOSPITAL- A PROSPECTIVE STUDY
Author(s)
Dobariya N1, Tiwari P1, Dhiman K2, Sareen P2, Anand T2, Sharda S2, Manku Tk2, Kaur R2
1National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), S.A.S. Nagar (Mohali), Punjab, India, 2Homeopathic Medical College and Hospital, Chandigarh, India
OBJECTIVES: Despite its presence in most parts of the country, very little is reported about the variety of illnesses, course of treatment and outcomes in patients in the homeopathic medical treatment. The research aims to explore the outcomes of homeopathic treatment in patients who are using homeopathic medicine. METHODS: : This prospective questionnaire based study used the data obtained from the patients attending a public homeopathic healthcare facility. The information collected included patient's age and gender, demographics, medical condition, duration of illness & homeopathic medicine prescribed. Additionally, the patient reported outcome on a 100-point visual analogue scale was also captured. Per protocol analysis was performed for analysing the data. RESULTS: Of the 655 patients screened, only 194 patients qualified to be included in analysis. Their mean age was found to be 37.6 years (±13.3). The mean height and weight were 163.7 cm (±8.3) and 65.44 kg (±12.1), respectively. 59% of patients were female. 52% patients were having normal BMI while 8%, 29% and 11% were underweight, overweight and obese respectively. 58% of patients belonged to upper socioeconomic class where 21% each were from middle and lower class. The most common reason for preference of homeopathic system of medicine were perceived surety of relief and belief in its safety. Out of all, 87% patients presented with a chronic illness. The mostly prescribed drugs were Pulsatilla, Sulphur, Rhus Toxidendron, Lycopodium Clavaton, Arsenic Album, and Belladonna. Outcome from one or more follow up per patient condition was captured for all 194 patients (64% patients improved, 4% reported worsening and 32% reported no change). Positive outcome was observed in patients with cough, allergy, bodyache, PCOS, piles, renal calculi and URTI. CONCLUSIONS: The homeopathic treatment is most preferred by the patients having chronic disease. In disease severity, there is sustained improvement following homeopathic treatment period. Our findings demand longer follow up and a larger sample.
Conference/Value in Health Info
2016-09, ISPOR Asia Pacific 2016, Singapore
Value in Health, Vol. 19, No. 7 (November 2016)
Code
PHP45
Topic
Patient-Centered Research
Topic Subcategory
Health State Utilities, Patient-reported Outcomes & Quality of Life Outcomes, Stated Preference & Patient Satisfaction
Disease
Multiple Diseases, Musculoskeletal Disorders, Respiratory-Related Disorders, Sensory System Disorders