Reviewing Expert Attitudes Toward Quaternary Prevention using Traditional Medicine: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

Introduction: Traditional medicine is based on knowledge, skills, and practices relying on the theories, beliefs, and indigenous experiences of different cultures that has a healthoriented and holistic view. With a holistic and health-oriented approach, quaternary prevention also seeks to prevent harm to the patient.Patient harm can be prevented by using efficient methods of traditional medicine and limiting the use of ineffective and harmful methods. Methods: The quantitative design of the study was conducted using a phenomenological approach among the faculty members of the Faculty of Traditional Medicine of Kerman University of Medical Sciences. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with the participation of 12 individuals selected using purposeful sampling. Content analysis was used to analyze the data. The codes were categorized based on their differences or similarities. Results: Six main themes were identified: prevention, patient benefit, quality of service, patient harm, rules and regulations, and financial burden. 18 sub-themes were extracted. Conclusion: Healthcare providers must protect their patients from the harms and costs of unnecessary diagnostic, therapeutic, and preventative measures. It is likely that adopting effective executive mechanisms, rules, and regulations focusing on the principle of patient benefit can lead to the implementation of a combination of traditional medicine and modern medicine on an extensive scale, aiming to reduce patient harm.