Naturopathic Medicine and Group Visits: A Natural Alignment

Abstract

Group visits are a delivery mode well-suited to the principles of naturopathic medicine. Group visits are cost-effective, allowing practitioners to provide thorough lifestyle education to more participants, an important domain of both prevention and management of health concerns. The interactive nature of group visits adds unique support, motivation and learning opportunities that one-on-one appointments often cannot provide. When structured opportunities are created for reflection, peer exchange and goal setting, the likelihood of behaviour change appears to be enhanced. Group visits may also benefit practitioners, allowing for greater efficiency and reduced risk of burnout, ultimately enabling greater impact. This paper maps the alignment of group visits to naturopathic principles, highlighting benefits, risks and strategies to harness this effective approach to health care.