Focus on Alternative and Complementary Therapies
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Focus Alternat Complement Ther©2005 Pharmaceutical Press
Focus Altern Complement Ther 2002; 7: 114
A specific challenge to the professionalisation of naturopathic practitioners is the degree of overlap between their practice and the practice of other therapists. Therefore, we examined naturopathic practitioners’ perspectives and opinions about their scope of practice.
A survey of all (473) licensed naturopathic practitioners in Canada. Data were collected by means of a seven-page mailed questionnaire.
The response rate was 63%; 41% were male and the mean age was 42 years (SD 10.9 years). Ninety-seven per cent were in active clinical practice. The most common health problems seen by participants were gastrointestinal complaints, women’s health issues, fatigue and allergies. Out of a list of 35 treatment modalities, 23 were practised by more than 30% of respondents (most commonly botanical medicine, homoeopathy, nutritional counselling and supplementation, and psychological counselling). Seventy-five per cent indicated there were modalities other than the 35 listed that they would like to be able to offer their patients, 56% felt that the scope of practice for naturopathic doctors was too restrictive and 92% identified overlap with the practice of other practitioners. More than 90% of respondents referred to MDs, chiropractors, massage therapists and other naturopathic practitioners.
Naturopathic practitioners often deal with chronic, difficult-to-treat conditions, which require multiple modalities. While respondents appeared to be open to referring to other professionals, they generally felt that their scope of practice was too limited. This may pose a major problem in the process of professionalisation, as this type of practice is difficult to codify when seeking regulation.
