Transitioning to practice: a qualitative investigation of Australian graduate naturopath’s experiences of being in practice

BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies

Amie E. Steel¹  Kimberley Ryan²  Andy McLintock³  Matthew J. Leach⁴  Helene M. Diezel⁵  Larisa A. J. Barnes⁶ 

[1] Australian Research Centre in Complementary and Integrative Medicine, Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, 2006, Ultimo, NSW, Australia;Endeavour College of Natural Health – Office of Research, Wickham Street, 4006, Fortitude Valley, QLD, Australia;Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Broadway Street, 2007, Ultimo, NSW, Australia;National Centre for Naturopathic Medicine, Southern Cross University, Military Road, East Lismore, 2480, Lismore, NSW, Australia;School of Social Science, University of Queensland, 280-284 Sir Fred Schonell Drive, 4061, St Lucia, QLD, Australia;University Centre for Rural Health, University of Sydney, 61 Uralba Street, 2480, Lismore, NSW, Australia;

关键词: Clinical practice;    Experience;    Graduate;    Health services research;    Naturopathy;    Professional practice;    Qualitative research;    Transition;   

DOI  :  10.1186/s12906-021-03475-z

来源: Springer

【 摘 要 】

BackgroundThe transition from student to practitioner can be challenging, resulting in stress, burnout and attrition. While there has been ample research examining graduate medical and allied health practitioner experiences of transitioning to practice, there is a paucity of research exploring such experiences in newly qualified naturopathic medicine practitioners. In light of this knowledge gap, the objective of this study was to ascertain the experiences of practicing as a naturopath in Australia within the first 5 years post-graduation.MethodsUsing a qualitative descriptive approach, recent graduates of an Australian Bachelor of Naturopathy (or equivalent) program were invited to participate in a semi-structured telephone interview to address the study objective. Data were analysed utilising a framework approach.ResultsA total of 19 new graduates (94.7% female; 57.9% aged 40–59 years) undertook an interview. Five inter-related themes emerged from the data: practitioner, practice, proprietorship, professions, and perceptions. Connected with these themes were contrasting feelings, multiplicity of duties, small business challenges, professional collaboration, and professional identity, respectively.ConclusionsParticipants were generally content with their decision to become a naturopath. However, most were confronted by a range of challenges as they transitioned from graduate to practitioner, for which many felt ill-prepared. In light of the complexity of the issue, and the potential impact on the sustainability of the profession, it is evident that a multi-pronged, multi-stakeholder approach would be needed to better support graduate naturopath transition to practice.

【 授权许可】

CC BY