Focus on Alternative and Complementary Therapies
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Focus Alternat Complement Ther©2005 Pharmaceutical Press
Focus Altern Complement Ther 1998; 3: 182
The design of a University Diploma of Higher Education in Aromatic Medicine (Aromatherapy).
A questionnaire to 1800 nurses, physiotherapists, occupational therapists and aromatherapists in NHS hospitals, hospices, nursing and residential homes across the UK (75% North-West England; 58% response rate) addressed costings, format, timing and desirability of a University course in Aromatherapy.
A part-time programme, at practitioner (18 months Certificate) and advanced (3 years Diploma) levels was validated, with intention to extend to Degree level. First enrolment (January 1998) included a nurse, medical representative, social worker, aromatherapist, salon owner, public relations officer and unemployed housewife. Based on 15 × 3-day weekends and a block teaching week at each level the course is scientifically-based and clinically-oriented. Delivered in a holistic framework it will produce reflective practitioners capable of professional audit, with an understanding of research methodology in complementary medicine and of issues posed by aromatherapy for orthodox practice. Extension to a Degree course is proposed on the basis of further clinical case-studies and a major project. Part of a modular, integrated credit system, accreditation by professional bodies is being sought.
Present evidence suggests that whilst a limited pool of health-care professionals and others are prepared to commit to an academically demanding course, there is an increasing desire by some for a more rigorous, scientific, clinical approach. The title of this first University programme in Aromatic Medicine requires defence.
