Similia Vol 38 No 1 – June 2025
Authors: Gabrielle Brodie, Michelle Hookham, Celeste Salter and Sandra Venables
Abstract
This article presents the findings from the 2024 pilot study of the Homeopathy Workforce Survey (HWFS), focused on registered practitioners in Australia.
Background:
The HWFS is a five-year research project designed to examine the characteristics, demographics and professional trends within the Australian homeopathic workforce. In Australia, the regulated national healthcare workforce has been surveyed since 2009, however this has not included homeopaths. In 2018, the First Australian Survey of Homeopaths identified knowledge gaps about practitioner qualifications, training, and views about the
profession. The aim of the current study is to accurately reflect the workforce to enable growth, inform future education and registration processes, and identify areas for capacity building within the profession.
Methodology:
A 31-item online survey (26 quantitative, 5 qualitative) was administered. Quantitative data was analysed using descriptive statistics and interpretive analysis, while qualitative responses were examined using reflexive thematic analysis.
Results:
The sample size (n =130), from the population of 357, comprised 88% female, 11% male. 78% were 50 years or older. Homeopaths are diversely qualified with 84% holding qualifications other than homeopathy. 91% registered within 2 years of qualifying. Three major themes arose through the qualitative analysis exploring the background practice and views of the participants describing issues of education (mycelium), practice (sprouting) and awareness (sporing).
Conclusion:
The study demonstrates the Australian Census data is not accurate regarding this profession. Homeopaths in Australia are an aging workforce, predominantly female, hold diverse qualifications and have a passion for the profession with an intent to practice beyond retirement age. Identification of the use of a professional title is inconsistent and the authors advocate for the use of ‘Registered Homeopath’ for the workforce to enhance public recognition and unify professional identity. Overall, this pilot study has established a baseline for future years to build upon, serving as a foundation for longitudinal tracking of workforce trends and strategic planning.
Keywords: homeopath, workforce, Australia, demographics, professional identity.
Common Abbreviations used in this article:
AHA Australian Homoeopathic Association
AHPRA Australian Health Practitioners Regulatory Authority
AP The Aurum Project Incorporated
ARoH The Australian Register of Homoeopaths
CAM Complementary and Alternative Medicine
HRI Homeopathy Research Institute
HWFS Homeopathy Work Force Survey
NHMRC National Health and Medical Research Council