Herbal medicine for acute bronchitis: A qualitative interview study of patients’ and health professionals’ views

Dia Soilemezi, Geraldine M. Leydon, Ruiyang Yan, Catherine Simpson, Margaret Bell, Jennifer Bostock, Michael Moore, Merlin Willcox*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

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Abstract

Background: Antibiotics are widely prescribed for acute bronchitis in the UK. Herbal medicine could be used instead to provide symptom relief. Aim: To explore the views of patients and health professionals on using herbal medicine for acute bronchitis instead of antibiotics. Design and setting: This was a nested qualitative study, conducted alongside a feasibility randomised clinical trial which ran from July 2018 to May 2019 in 20 GP practices in Wessex, UK. Method: We conducted telephone semi-structured interviews with patients and with health professionals. The interview data were transcribed and analysed thematically. Results: Overall, 40 interviews were conducted with 29 patients, six GPs and five nurses. While some patients believed antibiotics are more effective, most were aware of resistance and were keen to try an alternative, including herbal medicine. Several patients believed herbals would be “less intrusive” than antibiotics, whereas a few disliked the taste or experienced side-effects after taking a herbal. Professionals were concerned about potential interactions with conventional medicines. Many patients trusted herbals because of their long history of use, while some did not understand them. Availability of herbals without a prescription enables patients to use them for self-care, but their cost was a barrier for some. Many patients were willing to take a herbal if advised by their GP. Most GPs were happy to recommend a herbal, if endorsed by evidence-based guidelines. Conclusion: Many patients and health professionals would consider using herbal medicine for acute bronchitis, if based on trustworthy advice and evidence-based guidelines respectively.

Original languageEnglish
Article number102613
Number of pages7
JournalComplementary Therapies in Medicine
Volume55
Early online date19 Nov 2020
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Dec 2020

Keywords

  • Acute bronchitis
  • Adults
  • Antimicrobial resistance
  • Herbal medicine
  • Primary care
  • Qualitative

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