Implementation science in New Zealand naturopathic practice: a cross-sectional study

Area of Science:

• Implementation Science
• Naturopathic Practice
• Evidence-Based Practice (EBP)

Background:

• Naturopathy has historically overlooked implementation science, leaving barriers to best practice care unaddressed.
• This study investigates the specific challenges and facilitators of EBP adoption within New Zealand's naturopathic profession.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the determinants of evidence implementation in New Zealand naturopathic practice.
• To identify barriers and enablers influencing the uptake of evidence-based practice (EBP) among naturopaths.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional online survey using the 84-item Evidence-Based practice Attitude and utilization Survey (EBASE).
• The study included 104 New Zealand naturopaths with internet access and English fluency, surveyed between February and July 2020.

Main Results:

• Naturopaths reported generally favourable attitudes towards EBP, but engagement was at a moderate-low level.
• Key barriers identified included moderate EBP-related skill, lack of clinical evidence in naturopathy, and time constraints.
• Enablers included internet access, online databases, EBP educational materials, and access to full-text articles.

Conclusions:

• Attitudes are not a primary barrier; rather, structural, cognitive, and cultural factors impede EBP implementation in naturopathy.
• The findings offer crucial insights into EBP engagement and influencing factors within this professional group.
• Barriers to EBP uptake in naturopathy are identifiable and potentially surmountable with targeted interventions.