An exploration of patient perception of the aesthetic presentation and physical characteristics of homeopathic medicine

Abstract

Background The British Homeopathic Association (2020) claims that homeopathy is a natural form of medicine used by over 200 million people across the globe to treat both acute and chronic conditions. It is based on a principle known as like cures like, which simply means that a substance that can produce symptoms of disease when administered in a healthy individual, can be given in a minimal dose to treat the same symptoms in the diseased individual (Burns and Burns 2002). Homeopathy was discovered in the 1800s by the German physician Dr. Samuel Hahnemann. Hahnemann homeopathically prepared remedies in different physical forms (liquid, solid, and semi-solid form) and dispensed and stored them in a neutral brown glass bottle (Kayne 2006). In the present day, various forms of homeopathic medicines are dispensed to patients in different types of aesthetic presentations and in different colours. However, there is a lack of studies aimed to explore patients' perception of the aesthetic presentation and physical characteristics of homeopathic medicine. Aim of the study This study aimed to explore the patient perception of the aesthetic presentation and physical characteristics of homeopathic medicine. Methodology A qualitative, explorative, and descriptive design was employed. A convenience sampling method was used. Twelve semi-structured interviews were conducted at the DUT main homeopathic community health centre (HCHC) and one selected homeopathic private practice. Data collection took place until a point of saturation was reached, but three additional participants were recruited after this point to confirm data saturation.Data were analysed using thematic analysis guided by Tesch’s eight steps of data analysis (Tesch 1990 cited in Creswell 2009). Results Patients' perceptions regarding the aesthetic presentation and the physical characteristics of homeopathic medicine were grouped into four major themes and several subthemes. The four major themes were: package appearance, package preference, physical characteristics and medium type preference. These themes emerged from homeopathic patients' responses. Participants discussed the appearance of the packages and expressed perception with regard to the sizes, shapes, colours and the lids of the packages. Dissatisfaction regarding the paper packages, the breakability of glass packages and the impact of plastic packages on land pollution were discussed by the majority of the participants. Amber bottles and glass vials were the most preferred packaging for medication by participants. Regarding the physical characteristics of the homeopathic medicine, participants outlined the challenges they encounter while swallowing pills. Homeopathic medications were perceived as tasting sweet, too sweet and bitter. Participants were unhappy with the powder medications as it was perceived by them that powder forms do not exert any therapeutic effect and it was also expressed that they were unfamiliar with granule forms of medications. Conclusion This study explores patients' perception of the aesthetic presentation and the physical characteristics of homeopathic medicine. Feedback regarding the types of medicine and packaging was discussed. Dissatisfaction with some of the packaging and physical characteristics of homeopathic medicines was expressed by the participants, but participants also provided constructive feedback on the areas needing improvement. The main recommendation is that the paper packages used for packaging powders should be replaced with plastic packaging.