Table 2 Comparison of three national CAM workforce surveys[9, 10, 12]
From: CAM practitioners in the Australian health workforce: an underutilized resource
| Â | Remedial therapists[9] | Naturopaths, Western medical herbalists, acupuncturists[12] | Naturopaths, Western medical herbalists[10] |
|---|---|---|---|
Average age (range) | 26-55 years | 34-45 years | 44 years |
Gender | 76%: female | 74.8%: female | 76%: female |
Practice location: metropolitan/rural | 54%: metropolitan | 57%: metropolitan | Twice as many metropolitan as rural practices |
Type of practice | 64%: sole practitioner | 59%: sole practices | 30%: group practice |
18%: group practice | 28%: group practice | ||
Length of training (full time equivalent) | 41%: one year | 42%: four years | 6 months – 6 years |
37%: two year | (7.8%: bachelor degree) | ||
Average number of consultations per week | 12 | 15.7 | 22.3 |
Income | 91% less than | 53% less than | Â |
$50 000 per annum | $30 000 per annum | ||
Length of time in practice | 64%: 1–5 years | 39%: 1–5 years | Average 6.7 years |