Abstract
BackgroundNaturopaths and Western herbal medicine (WHM) practitioners were surveyed to identify their extent, experience and roles within the community pharmacy setting and to explore their attitudes to integration of complementary medicine (CM) practitioners within the pharmacy setting.MethodPractising naturopaths and WHM practitioners were invited to participate in an anonymous, self-administered, on-line survey. Participants were recruited using the mailing lists and websites of CM manufacturers and professional associations.Results479 practitioners participated. 24% of respondents (n = 111) reported they had worked in community pharmacy, three-quarters for less than 5 years. Whilst in this role 74% conducted specialist CMs sales, 62% short customer consultations, 52% long consultations in a private room and 51% staff education. This was generally described as a positive learning experience and many appreciated the opportunity to utilise their specialist knowledge in the service of both customers and pharmacy staff. 14% (n = 15) did not enjoy the experience of working in pharmacy at all and suggested pharmacist attitude largely influenced whether the experience was positive or not. Few practitioners were satisfied with the remuneration received. 44% of the total sample provided comment on the issue of integration into pharmacy, with the main concern being the perceived incommensurate paradigms of practice between pharmacy and naturopathy. Of the total sample, 38% reported that they would consider working as a practitioner in retail pharmacy in future.ConclusionsThe level of integration of CM into pharmacy is extending beyond the mere stocking of supplements. Naturopaths and Western Herbalists are becoming utilised in pharmacies
Highlights
Naturopaths and Western herbal medicine (WHM) practitioners were surveyed to identify their extent, experience and roles within the community pharmacy setting and to explore their attitudes to integration of complementary medicine (CM) practitioners within the pharmacy setting
A total of 479 naturopaths and/or WHM practitioners completed the survey; a response rate is unable to be calculated as the invitation to participate was distributed both via letter and general email distribution lists
Gender Highest level of qualification in naturopathy and/or Western herbal medicine Year of graduation from naturopathic/ WHM course Years spent working as a naturopath and/or WHM practitioner Current main place of practice * multiple responses were accepted
Summary
Naturopaths and Western herbal medicine (WHM) practitioners were surveyed to identify their extent, experience and roles within the community pharmacy setting and to explore their attitudes to integration of complementary medicine (CM) practitioners within the pharmacy setting. The term ‘integrative (or, sometimes, integrated) medicine’ describes a relatively recent development in complementary medicine. It has been defined as practising medicine in a way that selectively incorporates elements of complementary and alternative medicine into comprehensive treatment plans alongside Western medical methods of diagnosis and treatment [1]. Relatively little has been reported describing the integration of professional complementary medicine services within the pharmacy sector. Community pharmacy indirectly contributes to patients’ self-initiated integrative approach as they are a major retail outlet for complementary medicine product sales. Direct contributions to integrative care arise when pharmacists actively recommend holistic and complementary medicine approaches as part of their pharmacy practice
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