Providing naturopathic care in the community: Perspectives of recent naturopathy graduates in Australia

Background and purpose: Naturopathy is a traditional medicine system originating from Europe and naturopathic practitioners provide care to 6.2% of Australians in a 12-month period. Australian naturopathic programs have undertaken a slow transition over the last 20 years from Advanced diploma to Bachelor degree as the minimum level of qualification for entry into the profession. This study aimed to understand and describe the experience of naturopathic graduates completing Bachelor degree and transitioning to provide naturopathic care in the community. Materials and methods: Qualitative semi-structured phone interviews were conducted with graduates of Bache-lor's degree naturopathy programs, within five years of completing their studies. The data were analysed using Framework analysis methods. Results: The analysis identified three related themes: (1) Love for looking after patients, but clinical practice is not easy, (2) Finding a place in the naturopathic profession and in the health system; and (3) Protecting the future of the profession and practice through registration.Conclusion: Graduates of Australian Bachelor's degree naturopathic programs face challenges as they attempt to find a place within their professional community. By identifying these challenges the profession's leaders may be able to develop initiatives to better support graduates and increase the success of new naturopaths.

Automated summary

This study aimed to understand and describe the experience of naturopathic graduates completing Bachelor degree and transitioning to provide naturopathic care in the community. The analysis identified three related themes: challenges faced by graduates in finding a place within their professional community, the importance of finding a place within the health system, and the need to protect the future of the profession and practice through registration.