Patients' Perceptions of Home Remedies: A Grounded Theory Approach in the Alpine Region
Abstract
Background: In a society where conventional medicine is increasingly criticized, there is a growing interest in traditional care practices, such as home remedies (HR). Recent studies have demonstrated physicians' interest in these primary care practices, but few have focused on patient perceptions. Objective: To explore patients' perceptions of home remedies in the Isère and Savoie regions of France. Methods: A qualitative study was conducted using semi-structured interviews with adult patients consulting in general practice and residing in Isère and Savoie. The sample was constructed using maximum variation sampling. Interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using researcher triangulation and a grounded theory approach. Results: Fourteen interviews were conducted with 15 participants aged 32 to 91 years. HR were perceived as diverse, syncretic, and complementary to conventional medicine. Participants were motivated by a desire for autonomy and a willingness to take an active role in their health. Trust in HR was linked to representations of natural benefits, traditional heritage, and experience-based knowledge. Representations and uses of HR were subject to numerous socio-cultural influences that shaped their evolution. Conclusion: Patients desired greater transparency and dialogue with their physicians regarding HR. These practices should be understood within their socio-cultural context and symbolic roots. Recognizing and communicating about these popular practices could represent an additional step toward better patient support.
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BibTeX
@misc{girard2026patients,
title = {{Patients' Perceptions of Home Remedies: A Grounded Theory Approach in the Alpine Region}},
author = {Pauline Girard and Claire Neyret and Damien Compois and Guillaume de Vericourt and Yoann Gaboreau},
howpublished = {HAL},
year = {2026},
month = oct,
url = {https://hal.science/hal-05840438v1},
note = {CC BY-NC 4.0},
}
RIS
TY - UNPB
TI - Patients' Perceptions of Home Remedies: A Grounded Theory Approach in the Alpine Region
AU - Pauline Girard
AU - Claire Neyret
AU - Damien Compois
AU - Guillaume de Vericourt
AU - Yoann Gaboreau
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/10/27
PB - HAL
UR - https://hal.science/hal-05840438v1
AB - Background: In a society where conventional medicine is increasingly criticized, there is a growing interest in traditional care practices, such as home remedies (HR). Recent studies have demonstrated physicians' interest in these primary care practices, but few have focused on patient perceptions. Objective: To explore patients' perceptions of home remedies in the Isère and Savoie regions of France. Methods: A qualitative study was conducted using semi-structured interviews with adult patients consulting in general practice and residing in Isère and Savoie. The sample was constructed using maximum variation sampling. Interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using researcher triangulation and a grounded theory approach. Results: Fourteen interviews were conducted with 15 participants aged 32 to 91 years. HR were perceived as diverse, syncretic, and complementary to conventional medicine. Participants were motivated by a desire for autonomy and a willingness to take an active role in their health. Trust in HR was linked to representations of natural benefits, traditional heritage, and experience-based knowledge. Representations and uses of HR were subject to numerous socio-cultural influences that shaped their evolution. Conclusion: Patients desired greater transparency and dialogue with their physicians regarding HR. These practices should be understood within their socio-cultural context and symbolic roots. Recognizing and communicating about these popular practices could represent an additional step toward better patient support.
ER -