Journal article
Exploring the educational needs of Australian naturopaths (eNAT): A cross-sectional study
Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, Vol.45, 101480
11/2021
PMID: 34478948
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Abstract
Introduction: To ensure clinical competency, and to facilitate the delivery of safe and effective care, it is important
that continuing professional development (CPD) offerings for health professionals are relevant, appropriate and
accessible. In the field of naturopathic medicine, there has been no research seeking to understand the educational needs and preferences of this workforce. This cross-sectional study aims to address this knowledge gap.
Methods: Australian adults holding a formal qualification in naturopathy were invited to complete a novel 29-
item online questionnaire, comprising items on knowledge/skill gaps, knowledge/skill development, education delivery preferences and education barriers.
Results: One-hundred-ten naturopaths completed the survey. The most frequently reported knowledge and skills
gaps of undergraduate naturopathic training were pathology test interpretation and business development/
administration, respectively. Across the four broad areas of professional/clinical skills, clinical specialities,
populations and clinical settings, respondents rated, respectively, effective patient education, mental health, care
of adult populations, and working in integrative health care settings as high value or important areas for further
education. Respondents indicated a preference for CPD to be delivered via seminars/workshops, webinars,
journals and conferences, with a penchant for blended or online delivery. Correspondingly, most respondents
reported cost and distance as major/moderate barriers to further education.
Discussion: This study has identified several important knowledge/skills deficits in Australian undergraduate
naturopathic medicine education. An important next step of this work is the translation of findings into future
naturopathic medicine curricula and CPD offerings.
Details
- Title
- Exploring the educational needs of Australian naturopaths (eNAT): A cross-sectional study
- Creators
- Matthew J Leach - Southern Cross UniversityAndrea Bugarcic - Southern Cross University
- Publication Details
- Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, Vol.45, 101480
- Publisher
- Elsevier Ltd
- Identifiers
- 991012968472202368
- Academic Unit
- National Centre for Naturopathic Medicine
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Journal article