Other aspects, such as holistic consultation processes, might be attenuated in the RCT setting [ 21].
Although hospitals may offer more focused specialist consultations, primary care may offer more holistic consultations; this notion has been suggested by earlier studies and was confirmed in a parallel qualitative study to this randomised trial (Grunfeld et al, 1999; Murchie et al, 2010).
In the intervention group, the patient completes a holistic needs assessment prior to consultation.
These included the following: a desire for "natural" or non-invasive treatments; qualities of complementary therapy consultations (for example, a "holistic" approach); personal commitment to "alternative" philosophies of health; and prior experiences of benefit from complementary therapies for other health problems or asthma (a factor in initial and continued use for asthma respectively).
His guidance, detailed in 60 recommendations produced after extensive consultation over the past 12 months, focuses on a holistic approach to the built environment, or what he terms Place (an acronym of planning, landscape, architecture, conservation and engineering).
Kadiresan pointed out that the consultation complements FAO's efforts at advocating for a holistic food system approach to address the challenges the world faces to feed a growing population without compromising the environment and our future generations.
Specialists' views (16/18) echoed patients' experiences about the paucity of follow up appointments and lack of time during consultations; they found it difficult to adopt a holistic approach with patients.
Among the participants, the GPs put an emphasis on the consultation process as being an important tool for achieving a holistic view of the patients and their problems.
The outcome of the e-consultation will provide inputs for the FAO Secretariat to draft a holistic and inclusive global assistance programme taking your lessons learnt, best practices, plans and expectations into account.
The consultation and communication between patients and staff was considered important towards achieving a holistic view.
