Designing and Implementing a Comprehensive, Efficient, and Equitable Emergency Response Training Program for Traditional Medicine Practitioners in India: A Qualitative Study on Feasibility, Needs, Challenges, and Stakeholder Perceptions
Description
This study explores the feasibility and impact of training traditional medicine (AYUSH) practitioners in Emergency Care and Life Support (ECLS) to strengthen India’s emergency healthcare system, particularly in underserved regions. Using a qualitative methodology, data were collected through in-depth interviews and key informant interviews with emergency medicine specialists, AYUSH practitioners, policymakers, and academics. Stakeholders consistently emphasized the need for emergency response capacity at the grassroots level and acknowledged the presence of relevant skills and experience within the AYUSH system. A pilot training program showed marked improvement in participants’ confidence and knowledge; confidence scores rose from 2.1 to 4.8 and knowledge scores improved from 53.7% to 84.2%, demonstrating that structured, scenario-based ECLS training is both effective and well-received among traditional practitioners, as narrated by one of the participants. These findings are further supported by thematic analysis, which generated 197 unique codes organized into seven overarching themes, such as enhancing skills and competency, institutional frameworks, and ethical considerations. Participants highlighted that hands-on training, community-based mass preparedness, and a clearly defined legal framework are essential for effective emergency response. Insights from AYUSH professionals and emergency specialists also emphasized the moral and public health imperative of empowering TMPs as frontline responders, especially in low-resource settings. The findings suggest that with appropriate support, AYUSH practitioners can play a critical role in community-level emergency response. However, challenges such as regulatory ambiguity, lack of formal documentation, and the need for legitimate certification must be addressed for successful integration. The study supports the development of standardized, scalable training modules endorsed by academic institutions and regulatory bodies and calls for collaborative efforts between the Ministries of AYUSH and Health. These insights can guide policy development, curriculum design, and implementation strategies to improve emergency preparedness and equitable healthcare access in India and other low-resource settings.
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Steps to reproduce
The data for this study was gathered using a qualitative research design aimed at exploring the feasibility, challenges, and implementation strategies of training traditional medicine practitioners (AYUSH) in Emergency Care and Life Support (ECLS). We used in-depth, semi-structured interviews as our primary data collection method, guided by an interview protocol that included open-ended questions covering areas such as emergency care gaps, training needs, ethical concerns, and policy integration. Participants were purposefully selected through professional networks and healthcare institutions based on their expertise in AYUSH systems, emergency medicine, public health, or policy, and each had a minimum of five years of relevant experience. Seven one-on-one interviews were conducted, either in-person or via Zoom, depending on participant availability. All interviews were audio-recorded with consent, transcribed verbatim, and returned to participants for verification. Field notes were also maintained to capture non-verbal cues and contextual insights. A manual coding process was employed using content and thematic analysis approaches. A total of 197 unique codes were identified and grouped into seven major themes. Peer debriefing, member checking, and an audit trail were used to enhance the trustworthiness of the findings. No specialized software or reagents were used, but data organization and collaborative coding were facilitated using Google Docs for traceability and transparency. Ethical approval was obtained from an Institutional Ethics Committee (IEC No: SDM/IEC/02/2025). This approach ensures the reproducibility of the study for researchers aiming to conduct similar investigations in other settings.
Institutions
- Yenepoya University Yenepoya Medical College