Georgia’s healthcare system and integration of complementary medicine |
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| Institution: | 1. David Tvildiani Medical University, Georgia;2. Eliava Institute of Bacteriophage, Microbiology & Virology and Georgian National University, Georgia;3. Boston University, United States;1. Hong Kong Institute of Integrative Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong;2. Jockey Club School of Public Health and Primary Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong;3. Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong;4. School of Chinese Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong;1. Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Sciences, Tokyo 192-0392, Japan;2. Department of Microbiology, School of Pharmacy, Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Sciences, Tokyo, 192-0392, Japan;1. Stanford University Medical Center, Stanford, CA;2. Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital, Mbarara, Uganda;3. Harvard Combined Plastic Surgery Residency, Brigham and Women''s Hospital, Boston, MA;4. Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA;1. European Centre on Health of Societies in Transition, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, 15–17 Tavistock Place, London WC1H 9SH, UK;2. European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, 15–17 Tavistock Place, London WC1H 9SH, UK;3. Center for Study of Public Opinion, 38 Pushkin Street, Almaty 050002, Kazakhstan;4. Georgian Opinion Research Business International, 34 Tashkenti Street, Tbilisi, Georgia;5. Center for Sociological and Political Research, Belarussian State University, 14 Leningradskaya, Minsk 20050, Belarus;6. Centre for Sociological Studies, Moscow State University, Leninskie Gory, Moscow 119991, Russian Federation |
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| Abstract: | BackgroundAn increasing number of people in the Republic of Georgia use complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). CAM has long been practiced in the country, but is not currently part of the formal medical system. The aim of this study was to explore patients’ CAM use and their perspectives of CAM complementation of existing services in Georgia’s health care system.MethodologyWe conducted a qualitative study exploring patient needs and wants by performing in-depth, contextual interviews with patients using CAM. We recruited participants at CAM clinics and collected data until we reached saturation. A thematic analysis involving line by line coding explored perspectives and allowed us to formulate recommendations of CAM integration in Georgia.ResultsStudy participants voiced that they pursued cure beyond symptom relief; their disappointment in that regard with conventional medicine in Georgia directed them towards CAM as a safe and effective care setting. Most sought natural approaches as a sustained approach to their health and perceived CAM as empathetic therapeutic and preventive space. Participants were in favor of integration of CAM with conventional health services through government support and regulation. They saw coverage of payments for CAM visits and treatments as important aspect for an effective and sustainable integration.ConclusionPatients favor an integration of CAM into Georgia’s current healthcare systems to ensure CAM’s broad availability as well as effective regulation and financing, including coverage by health insurance. |
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| Keywords: | Complementary medicine Georgia (country) Patients Healthcare Integration |
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