Transitioning to practice: a qualitative investigation of Australian graduate naturopath's experiences of being in practice

The transition from student to practitioner can be challenging, resulting in stress, burnout and attrition. While there has been ample research examining graduate medical and allied health practitioner experiences of transitioning to practice, there is a paucity of research exploring such experience...

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Published in:	BMC complementary and alternative medicine 2021-12, Vol.21 (1), p.298-298, Article 298
Main Authors:	Leach, Matthew J, Barnes, Larisa A J, McLintock, Andy, Diezel, Helene M, Ryan, Kimberley, Steel, Amie E
Format:	Article
Language:	eng
Subjects:	Adult Allied Health Personnel - psychology Anxiety Attitude of Health Personnel Australia Burn out (Psychology) Burnout Clinical medicine Clinical practice College graduates Data analysis Experience Female Graduate Health services research Humans Interviews Investigations Male Medical personnel Medical research Medicine Middle Aged Naturopathy Objectives One-person corporations Professional practice Professionals Qualitative research Small business Sustainability Young Adult
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Summary:	The transition from student to practitioner can be challenging, resulting in stress, burnout and attrition. While there has been ample research examining graduate medical and allied health practitioner experiences of transitioning to practice, there is a paucity of research exploring such experiences in newly qualified naturopathic medicine practitioners. In light of this knowledge gap, the objective of this study was to ascertain the experiences of practicing as a naturopath in Australia within the first 5 years post-graduation. Using a qualitative descriptive approach, recent graduates of an Australian Bachelor of Naturopathy (or equivalent) program were invited to participate in a semi-structured telephone interview to address the study objective. Data were analysed utilising a framework approach. A total of 19 new graduates (94.7% female; 57.9% aged 40-59 years) undertook an interview. Five inter-related themes emerged from the data: practitioner, practice, proprietorship, professions, and perceptions. Connected with these themes were contrasting feelings, multiplicity of duties, small business challenges, professional collaboration, and professional identity, respectively. Participants were generally content with their decision to become a naturopath. However, most were confronted by a range of challenges as they transitioned from graduate to practitioner, for which many felt ill-prepared. In light of the complexity of the issue, and the potential impact on the sustainability of the profession, it is evident that a multi-pronged, multi-stakeholder approach would be needed to better support graduate naturopath transition to practice.
ISSN:	2662-7671 2662-7671 1472-6882