title: Introducing healing circles and talking circles into primary care.
abstract: We report on the incorporation of a North American aboriginal procedure called "the talking circle" into primary care in areas serving this population. Communication is regulated through the passing of a talking piece (an object of special meaning or symbolism to the circle facilitator, who is usually called the circle keeper). Twelve hundred people participated in talking circles in which 415 attended 4 sessions and completed pre- and postquestionnaires. Outcome measures included baseline and end Measure Your Medical Outcome Profile version 2 forms. Participation in at least 4 talking circles resulted in a statistically significant improvement in reported symptoms and overall quality of life (p < 0.001 and effect sizes ranging from 0.75 to 1.19). The talking circle is a useful tool to use with Native Americans. It may be useful as a means to reduce health care costs by providing other alternative settings to deal with stress-related and other life problems.
authors.affiliation: Director of Geriatric Education for Maine Dartmouth Family Medicine Residency in Augusta, ME, and is also affiliated with the Coyote Institute in Augusta, ME. mehlmadrona@gmail.com.
authors.forename: Lewis
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Mehl-Madrona
authors.affiliation: Creative Arts Therapist and Reiki practitioner. She is an Education Director at the Coyote Institute in Augusta, ME. artbarb@gmail.com.
authors.forename: Barbara
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Mainguy
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003142:Communication; D005260:Female; D006303:Health Services, Indigenous; D006801:Humans; D007198:Indians, North American; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D033262:Narration; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D011320:Primary Health Care; D011788:Quality of Life; D012525:Saskatchewan; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000628:therapy*