Citation (APA Style): Kalla, M.(2016). Supporting chronic disease healthcare through remote Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) treatment and self-care: An evaluation using the WHO Determinants of Health. Energy Psychology: Theory, Research, and Treatment, 8(1), 55-66. doi:10.9769/EPJ.2016.8.1.MK
Abstract
The UN World Health Organization (WHO) defines determinants which influence people’s health, such as income, education, social support, physical environment, access to health services, personal behaviours and gender. This study explores delivery of a therapeutic intervention called Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) and self-administration of EFT in chronic disease patients from the perspective of the WHO determinants of health. Sixteen participants, including eight EFT practitioners and eight chronic disease patients, described their experiences of EFT in semi-structured interviews. Data was analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis methodology. Four major themes were identified: practitioner and client experiences of online EFT therapy; perceptions of telephone EFT therapy; experiences in online support groups, and the use of EFT for self-care. Participant accounts illustrated EFT’s value in alleviating barriers to access to health services and facilitating self-care in chronic disease patients. Online and telephone delivery of EFT offered a useful alternative for residents of remote and rural areas without access to mental health services . EFT is effective in groups using online video-conferencing platforms to provide a social support network. Additionally, EFT is favored by chronic disease patients for self-care, maintaining positive mood, and for general well-being.
Keywords: Emotional Freedom Techniques, EFT, tapping, telemental health applications, WHO determinants of health, self-care, remote consultation
Click here to view the full abstract on the Energy Psychology journal website
