Patients and Healthcare workers perception of the Introduction of Traditional Medicine into the Healthcare System in Fiji.

There is a global interest in promoting the safety, quality, and effectiveness of Traditional Medicines (TM). Many countries including those in the Pacific region, took steps between 2005 and 2018 to integrate TMs in the health care systems as complementary forms of therapy. These actions were in line with the WHO Traditional Medicine Strategy 2002—2005 and the WHO Traditional Medicine Strategy 2014—2023. The Government of Fiji also recognizes contributions of TMs to people's health and wellness and is in the process of developing policies and regulations on TM use in Fiji. This study investigated the perceptions of patients and healthcare workers (HCWs) on the introduction of TM into Fiji's healthcare system.
Method
A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in June 2019 at Lautoka divisional hospital. A structured questionnaire was administered through face-to-face interviews with a random sample of eligible participants consisting of (a) patients over the age of 18 attending the outpatient pharmacy, and (b) health care workers including doctors, nurses, and pharmacists.
Results
The 280 participants included 200 patients (71%) and 80 HCWs (29%). The majority (69%) were females and of Indian of Fijian Descent ethnicity (79%). Most (76%) of the patients and (85%) of the I-ICWs agreed that people would more likely use TMs if clinics were established.
A sizeable minority of both patients (38%) and HCWs (37%) reported TMs to be very effective. Commonly recommended traditional medicines for inclusion in the Fijian Healthcare system included herbal medicines, massage, and relaxation and breathing techniques.