Exploring the educational needs of Australian naturopaths (eNAT): A cross-sectional study

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.

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.

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.

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.