Laboratory Test Ordering Patterns in Pediatrics From Naturopaths and General Practitioners, 2021, Hsuan-Chieh Lioa et al

Mij

Mij

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Abstract
Objectives: Naturopathic medicine emphasizes prevention and the self-healing process through natural therapies. Naturopathic doctors (NDs) use clinical laboratories as frequently as traditionally trained physicians. Here we evaluated the test-ordering patterns of NDs and general practitioners (GPs).

Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed from a tertiary pediatric hospital. We analyzed tests ordered by NDs who used laboratory services and compared the test ordering patterns with GPs from adolescent medicine, family medicine, or pediatric clinics. Requests were categorized into 10 groups. We determined the tests with the highest ordering frequencies, as well as the percentage of tests that had an abnormal result.

Results: NDs ordered more tests per patient per date of specimen collection compared with GPs. The most frequently ordered tests by NDs were trace elements and toxic metals (23.2% of total), allergens (21.8%), and general chemistry (15.3%). For the same test, the percentage of tests with an abnormal result was significantly lower for NDs than GPs.

Conclusions: We observed different ordering patterns between NDs and GPs. NDs ordered more esoteric tests and had lower rates of abnormal test results compared with GPs. Understanding the patterns of testing from different providers' specialties is useful to choose effective laboratory stewardship interventions.
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https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33978163/
 
I'm not clear from the article - is this naturopaths who trained in naturopathy or GPs who've developed an interest in naturopathic medicine?

I think a lot of trained GPs turn to frameworks like naturopathy and functional/integrative medicine because they are frustrated with the impotence of medicine in a lot of areas, and that frustration somehow becomes merged with their more general views about what constitues a wholesome lifestyle and environment (hence the emphasis on trace minerals).

The other framework that GPs turn to is the biopsychosocial framework, and I think for the same reasons. They feel impotent and so they turn to psychology to give their profession meaning, and genuinely believe they can treat real complaints by listening to the patient.
 
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