The naturopathic profession in Australia: A secondary analysis of the Practitioner Research and Collaboration Initiative (PRACI)

Abstract

Introduction: This study provides the most detailed empirical examination of the naturopathic profession and naturopathic practice in Australia. Methods: Naturopaths from the Practitioner Research And Collaboration Initiative (PRACI) were invited to participate in an online workforce survey. Results: The baseline survey was completed by 281 naturopaths and 155 (55.2%) completed the second survey. Respondents were predominantly female (86.7%), with a mean age of 45.5 years (SD 10.4). A diverse range of clinical interest topics were disclosed; most frequent were digestive (84.0%) and women's (79.4%) health. Diet/nutrition (91.1%), sleep (90.2%), stress management (85.3%) and physical activity/fitness (79.4%) were commonly discussed during consultation. Conclusion: Although respondents reported a varied scope of practice, there was a notable emphasis on lifestyle prescriptions. Given lifestyle diseases are the leading cause of death in Australia, a more in-depth examination of the preparedness of the naturopathy workforce to integrate into community-based health care teams is now warranted.