Demographics, practice characteristics, professional satisfaction and professional association engagement of homeopaths in New Zealand: Results from a cross-sectional workforce survey

Abstract

Complementary medicine (CM) appears to be thriving in New Zealand. Homeopathy is a key profession within the broader field of CM. However, there is little empirical evidence relating to homeopathy in New Zealand. There are challenges for researchers to collect evidence about the profession as homeopaths are not required to register with a professional body which means the true number of homeopaths in New Zealand is unclear. Additionally, homeopathy is often utilised by other health professionals. In direct response, the aim of this study is to report on a study that explores demographics and practice characteristics, professional satisfaction and professional association engagement among homeopaths in New Zealand. An online survey was administered to homeopaths in New Zealand. Homeopaths in New Zealand are mostly female (95%) with an average age of 57. Half of all respondents were between the ages of 52 and 65, and 24.3% of surveyed Homeopaths live in Auckland. Eighty percent of those surveyed are currently practicing, and 76% work in private practice. Two thirds of homeopaths have been trained in New Zealand, with over 40% trained at one institution. More than 30% have been trained in other countries. A quarter of respondents found the most satisfying aspect of practice involved the client-practitioner relationship and their clinical results. Only 58% of the respondents were registered with the New Zealand Council of Homeopaths and when asked why, 25% had concerns about the cost of registration, 16.5% felt that the requirements were complicated, and 11% of Homeopaths could not see the benefits of registration. Two indicators of health and growth in a profession appear to be missing in New Zealand. Despite individual professional satisfaction there is not universal engagement by professional homeopaths with the registering body. Additionally, currently there is only one school providing homeopathy training in the country. Further research is warranted to explore the demographics of full-time, part-time and partial prescribers of homeopathy, as well as their perceptions and experiences, to more fully identify and ultimately address the challenges, risks, opportunities and tensions related to practicing homeopathy in New Zealand.