A recent study indicated that over 87% of pediatricians had been asked by their patients for complementary or alternative therapy. More than half of Canadians surveyed in 2006 reported using at least one form of alternative health care during the previous year, according to a report published by The Fraser Institute.
A 2005 Statistics Canada Health Report said that in 2003, 5.4 million Canadians, or 20% of the population aged 12 or older, reported using some type of alternative health care in the past year.
In honour of National Health Practitioners Awareness Week, January 20-26, let us take a minute to learn a little more about the people behind this fast growing field of health care.
Those providing alternative and complementary health care services are often called Natural Health Practitioners, and every Canadian needs to educate themselves about how to choose a qualified practitioner, according to the Natural Health Practitioners of Canada (NHPC), a professional association of 6,500 practitioners.
When trying to find a practitioner who is trained and qualified, the first step is to ensure that the practitioner is an NHPC member.
Before practitioners are granted an NHPC membership, they must pledge to ethical professional conduct as expressed in the NHPC Code of Ethics. A public Complaints Process supports compliance, and any violation of this Code may result in a membership being revoked.
In addition to these measures designed to ensure public safety, membership applications are subject to Credentialing Assessment Protocol, or CAP process. NHPC’s Manager of Credentialing and Research says, “The CAP process is designed to ensure that our members are competent…the public can feel secure in utilizing the services of NHPC members.”
CAP verifies an NHPC member’s competency by gathering and assessing detailed information on their discipline and/or modality training and education. It is designed to assess whether or not appropriate training levels and standards have been met.
Consumers should ask practitioners the following questions before securing their services:
• Are you licensed to practice?
• Are you a member of the Natural Health Practitioners of Canada?
• What natural health therapies do you offer?
• Where did you receive your training?
• How long have you been practicing?
• What benefits can I expect from this therapy?
• What are the risks associated with this therapy?
• Should I expect any side effects?
• How long will I need to undergo treatment?
• Will I need to buy any equipment or supplies?
• Do you have any research about using the treatment for my condition?
• Could the therapy interact with conventional treatments?
• Are there any conditions for which this treatment should not be used?
In addition to these quantifiable issues, it is important for the individual to listen to their gut when choosing a Natural Health Practitioner. “The first visit is very important” says NHPC Communications Manager, Claire Ashton. “Arrive prepared to answer questions about your health history. On your first visit, practitioners should assess your health. Based on your discussion, and in some cases, a physical assessment, the practitioner should propose a treatment plan”
Ashton continued “If you need time to think it over, take it. When choosing a practitioner, personality fit is important, so is trust. Don’t be afraid to discuss any concerns you might have.”
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