title: The homeopathic choice for children: a qualitative research on the decision making process of the families.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To explore the experiences of parents who chose homeopathic treatment for their children, with particular regard to the decision-making process within the family and the availability of conventional and homeopathic healthcare services.
  
  
  METHODS
  Semi-structured interview with parents immediately after or before the homeopathic visit at the Homeopathic Clinic of Campo di Marte Hospital of Lucca (Italy) from1st March, 2012 to 18 July 2012. Answers were analyzed by frequency of response and grouped into main areas: 1. Choice of homeopathy. 2. Intra-family dynamics. 3. Behaviour in emergency situations. 4. The relationship with the homeopathic doctor. 5. The role of friends and acquaintances. 6. The 'cut off' of use of homeopathy.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Parents who choose homeopathic treatments for their children are strongly influenced by context. The choice of homeopathy is usually made by mothers and is rarely hindered by fathers, grandparents or friends, whose approval is important and encourages parents to use homeopathy for their children, both for prevention and treatment. Easy access to the homeopathic doctor was frequently requested, especially for acute situations.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This research confirms the importance of context in decision making processes. Other characteristics of families which use homeopathy, such as level of education, personal coping strategies and family context should be investigated.
authors.affiliation: Homeopathic Clinic, Local Health Unit n. 2, Tuscan Regional Homeopathic Reference Centre, Italy. Electronic address: omeopatia@usl2.toscana.it.
authors.forename: Elio
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Rossi
authors.affiliation: Homeopathic Clinic, Local Health Unit n. 2, Tuscan Regional Homeopathic Reference Centre, Italy.
authors.forename: Marco
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Picchi
authors.affiliation: Homeopathic Clinic, Local Health Unit n. 2, Tuscan Regional Homeopathic Reference Centre, Italy.
authors.forename: Mariella
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Di Stefano
authors.affiliation: U.O. Psychology, Local Health Unit n. 2, Italy.
authors.forename: Anna Maria
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Marongiu
authors.affiliation: U.O. Psychology, Local Health Unit n. 2, Italy.
authors.forename: Patrizia
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Scarsini
mesh_terms: D001294:Attitude to Health; D000067576:Child Health; D003657:Decision Making; D005190:Family / Q000523:psychology*; D054541:Family Conflict / Q000523:psychology; D006801:Humans; D007558:Italy; D008419:Materia Medica / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D010290:Parents / Q000523:psychology; D036301:Qualitative Research
chemical_list: D008419:Materia Medica
keywords: Children; Conflicts between parents; Decision making process; Homeopathy; Patient choice