Fertility Physicians’ Professional Opinions About Traditional Chinese Medicine as Adjuvant Therapy: A Qualitative Study Using Framework Analysis

By Anita Lienhard - Online MSc - Advanced Oriental Medicine

Abstract

Background

The past two decades have witnessed an increasing use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) which includes Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) alongside fertility treatments among couples with difficulties conceiving. However, most of these studies have been conducted investigating experiences of women with TCM as adjuvant therapy for Assisted Reproductive Techniques (ART). The professional opinion of fertility physicians (FP) about TCM as adjuvant therapy has been neglected. Therefore, the research question of the present study is What are FPs’ professional opinions about TCM as adjuvant therapy?

Aims and Objectives

This study aims to capture FPs’ professional opinion about TCM as adjuvant therapy. To fulfil this aim six participants were recruited and interviewed using semi-structured interviews. The interviews were conducted in German either face to face or by telephone due to the pandemic situation in Switzerland. The recordings of the interviews were transcribed, analysed and summarised to English.

Methodology

A qualitative approach has been chosen to investigate FPs’ professional opinion about TCM in depth. A purposive sampling strategy has been chosen to generate insight and an in-depth understanding. Questionnaires and surveys have been rejected because responses are limited to answering predetermined questions.

Findings

All participants attested to TCM having a beneficial effect for specific clients, whether for relaxation to counterbalance the technical procedure of ART or for improving wellbeing, as TCM treats a different branch of health to orthodox medicine. The findings will be underpinned by verbatim quotes from participants.

Conclusion

FPs’ professional opinion about TCM as investigated in the present study reveal a series of insights: Female FPs seem to be more willing to contribute their time for research. They showed a positive attitude towards TCM as adjuvant therapy. FPs act as gatekeepers because the selection procedure regarding to whom they recommend TCM is highly subjective.