Development and implementation of an evidence-based biofield therapy standardized documentation tool

Abstract

Introduction

Biofield therapy (BT) is a complementary health practice involving the use of subtle energy to promote healing; however, monitoring the quality of care after implementing a BT program can be particularly challenging. The aim of this project was to strategically design, implement, and evaluate an evidence-based BT documentation tool to capture relevant data elements to display in a quality metric dashboard, while also being satisfactory to the practitioners who use it.

Methods

Utilizing the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) method, key stakeholders at a government healthcare facility were gathered to design and use a structured documentation tool. After the tool's deployment, the stakeholders were routinely assessed over a three-month period to evaluate its effectiveness and identify areas for improvement. At the end of the period a practitioner satisfaction questionnaire was deployed and a quality metric dashboard was launched.

Results

Seven of the eleven BT-trained practitioners (64 %) used the template during the evaluation period and 255 sessions were documented. Forty-five percent of the staff responded to the Likert scored satisfaction questionnaire with 100 % indicating the template improved documentation, fit into the workflow, and facilitated interdisciplinary communication. The dashboard presented nine data elements, such as session indication and patient symptom scores, which can be filtered by date and location.

Discussion

The satisfaction scores validated findings from the literature relative to structured documentation, quality review, and program evaluation. These outcomes support the expansion of BT into different clinical settings, foster future BT research endeavors, and allow for BT to be included in broader medical data analytic efforts.

Conclusion

A structured documentation tool designed with findings from the evidence and input from key stakeholders can be an effective and satisfactory means of capturing quality metrics for evaluating the implementation of BT.