Journal article
Clinical reasoning in naturopathic medicine: a qualitative descriptive study of novice and experienced practitioners
European journal of integrative medicine, Vol.88, pp.1-11
12/2026
Appears in Recent Faculty of Health Publications
Metrics
1 Record Views
Abstract
Introduction: Clinical reasoning underpins safe and effective practice across health professions. However, limited empirical research has examined how clinical reasoning is enacted and developed within naturopathic medicine, where existing models are largely theoretical or consensus-based with little attention to developmental differences between practitioners. This study aimed to explore how clinical reasoning is enacted by novice and experienced naturopathic practitioners, and to examine differences in reasoning processes across levels of experience to inform the development of an empirically grounded clinical reasoning framework.
Methods: A qualitative descriptive study was conducted using semi-structured interviews with novice (n = 15) and experienced (n = 16) naturopathic practitioners in Australia. Data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis, followed by interpretive synthesis to organise findings into higher-order process and determinant facets.
Results: Five process facets were identified: Explore, Understand, Determine, Manage, and Consolidate. Four determinant facets, The Patient, The Practitioner, Naturopathic Medicine Principles and Philosophy, and The Thinking Process, shaped clinical reasoning across naturopathic consultations. Both novice and experienced practitioners engaged in all facets; however, differences in timing, integration, fluency, and confidence reflected developmental progression rather than categorical distinction. Together, these findings supported development of the Naturopathic Medicine Clinical Reasoning Framework.
Conclusion: Clinical reasoning in naturopathic medicine is dynamic, non-linear, and developmentally acquired. The Naturopathic Medicine Clinical Reasoning Framework provides an empirically grounded model that integrates reasoning processes with contextual, philosophical, and cognitive influences shaping clinical practice. The framework offers a foundation for supporting clinical reasoning development in naturopathic education and practice.
Details
- Title
- Clinical reasoning in naturopathic medicine: a qualitative descriptive study of novice and experienced practitioners
- Creators
- Manisha Thakkar - Southern Cross UniversityMatthew Leach - TAFE SA (Australia, South Australia)John Willison - The University of Adelaide
- Publication Details
- European journal of integrative medicine, Vol.88, pp.1-11
- Publisher
- Elsevier GmbH
- Identifiers
- 991013400565002368
- Copyright
- © 2026 The Author(s).
- Academic Unit
- Faculty of Health
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Journal article