Working With the Community, In the Community
As a medical anthropologist I have a broad understanding of which kinds of problems are best addressed by which methods.
As a CAM practitioner I have a deep understanding of the holistic approach in both the implementation and analysis of health care effectiveness.
The concept of holism is central to anthropological understanding and as such, in both my roles, I approach the task of gaining understanding of healthcare problems in a non-judgmental way, believing that tolerance and relativism are important methodological tools.
I seek connections and patterns from infornation i gather and place them into a wider context to build up both a broad and deep understanding of health by dealing with information in a positive, effective and comparative manner.
I have experience of conducting, analysing and presenting both qualitative and quantitative data in a variety of accessible and understandable formats, while looking for consistencies and inconsistencies in order to check for validity.
As a consultant I see this as invaluable to identifying gaps in Measure Yourself Medical Outcome Profile (MYMOP) research collation which can be addressed through evaluation of effectiveness with a clear, relevant and intellectually worthwhile focus to explore the topic.
I have experience of meta-analysis and reviewing literature to ascertain where research focus has been centred within the field to assess what is already known. I understand the advantages and disadvantages of data-collection methods and the need to control the data input that triggers people’s responses so that their output can be reliably compared.
This understanding is bourn from having conducted my own unstructured, semi-structured and structured interviewing which has involved focus group management, contact over the phone, in person, by mail and also via computer. These forms of data collection enhance my ability for collation of essential information and dedication to assessment of working interactions.
Combining my anthropological and CAM practitioner expertise has allowed me to incorporate participant observation as the humanistic method involved in understanding people's wellbeing so that I can observe and record relevant information.
Over time I have become more aware of my experiences, my opinions and my values in order to view data in an objective manner by transcending any biases through self conscious review of my own ideas and my self. It has produced the kind of experiential knowledge that allows me to talk convincingly and confidently about my understanding of research whilst retaining the skill of objectivity.
Experience
Private PracticeThrough 8 years of private practice I have a patient-centred, patient-empowered approach to health care which best facilitates healing by improving coping mechanisms and increasing wellbeing. I place emphasis on self-management and self-care, supporting and empowering people to take an active role in caring for their health so they can exercise more control over their own health and their environments. This allows the patient to see themselves as being a part of the healing experience and not merely as consumers of healthcare expecting a cure. Active participation reduces patient worry about their state of health with crucial importance placed upon wellbeing and education as the foundation of commitment to helping themselves improve their condition
Recognising patients as valued partners in the therapeutic relationship with informed choices over their health care options, addresses gaps in the effectiveness of conventional medicinal approaches regarding conditions that have high economic burden helping to modify patient demand on existing healthcare services
Combining private practice with research
Health Mentoring Network
I am liaising with Various funding bodies to secure financial support for the CAM Holistic Health Centre which incorporates the Health Mentoring Educational Network. this network will work with those on benefit or low income within deprived communities in Gateshead. Once funding is secured my hopes are to utilise patient cases as a research base from which to explore the concept of CAM educational mentoring as the lynchpin for better health through increased social wellbeing.
The main aim is to encourage a positive relationship with other sufferers and CAM practitioners with a view to increased maintenance of wellbeing. Objectives incorporate active peer group participation with patients sharing successful illness prevention and management experience. This will bring a communal commitment toward physical and emotional wellbeing within the community. Patients will be able to explore their illness safely with their peers to better understand their condition and the trigger factors that could have made them unwell. This form of educational mentoring includes discovery and integration of CAM therapeutics with the knowledge and well tried practices of others suffering with similar long term chronic illness.
Homeopathic Research at Women’s Health in South Tyneside (WHIST)
I am involved on a one day a week basis in coordinating MYMOP research into the effectiveness of the homeopathic drop-in clinic at WHIST. This research has incorporated collation of 5 years attendance data and introducing the use of MYMOP forms during consultation. The ongoing findings of research are contributing to securing funding for the drop-in clinic as well as providing an internal audit for evaluation of the projects effectiveness. Coordinating MYMOP research for the past year gives me a unique insight into the advantages and limitations of this form of data collection
I have also been approached by the Northern College of Homeopathic Medicine (NCHM) to coordinate MYMOP research at their student clinics which take place twice monthly. It is hoped that by undertaking this research NCHM will be able to contribute to the ongoing evaluation of homeopathy as an effective healthcare provision and to develop NCHM’s engagement with the research process
Alternative and Complementary Health Research Network (ACHRN) Conference 2007
In July 2007 I attended the ACHRN annual conference in Nottingham in order to gain a greater understanding of the issues which surround research within the CAM field. During this conference I made many valuable contacts whose encouragement reinforced my desire to implement a holistic health education network in the North East and further my participation within the field of research.
Human Sciences Mentoring Scheme – Durham University
Whilst attending Durham University for my Medical Anthropology degree I was employed to design, implement and coordinate a mentoring program to aid students during the first year of their degree. During my two years as coordinator my responsibilities covered overseeing all aspects involved in the development of mentors and mentees affiliated to the scheme and included liaising with department heads to keep them informed of the schemes progress and development. After a year of the scheme running successfully I undertook a year long research project to assess the effectiveness of mentoring as a form of social support in a stressful university setting. This research utilised extensive qualitative and quantitative research methods to evaluate the scheme and culminated in presenting my findings in the form of my final year dissertation.