Master of Health Sciences in Complementary Medicine

Purpose

The purpose of the Master of Health Sciences in Complementary Medicine is to develop learners competent in the knowledge, attitudes, insight and skills required for diagnosing and managing patients in the field of Complementary Medicine (CM) and formulating comprehensive treatment plans for health promotion. In addition, this qualifying learners will be able to contribute to the development of knowledge at an advanced level and to practice in an advanced and specialised profession, in this case a complementary medicine environment.

Qualifying learners will be able to competently apply and integrate theoretical principles, evidence based techniques, practical exposure and appropriate skills as a healthcare practitioner. Qualifying learners will also be competent to compound, dispense and prescribe CMs within that scope of practice. Qualifying learners will be a team player capable of working in multidisciplinary teams to promote the profession.

On completion of this qualification the student will be able to

• Examine, diagnose and interpret clinical data in order to identify and assess the range of health problems presented to CM practitioners, and contrive a comprehensive and holistic approach with the integration of relevant clinical competencies and CM knowledge.
• Integrate biomedical, behavioural and social sciences relevant to health promotion and management within a primary health care setting.
• Compose treatment and prevention plans that would promote and manage health, with an understanding of the role and function of other health disciplines and their relevance in multi-disciplinary patient management.
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, and apply the principles of medical ethics and professional behaviour within a professional multi-cultural and international context.
• Critically use multiple sources of literature in order to develop and contribute towards research output in a CM related field.
• Evaluate and implement the pharmaceutical and legislative requirements pertaining to the manufacture and sale of CMs within a compliant dispensary.

Rationale

Learners with a Master of Health Sciences in Complementary Medicine (MHSc (Complementary Medicine) will be health professionals able to provide vital information about a patient's state of health; which includes the diagnosis, monitoring and treatment of disease pertinent to their field of practice. The analytical and diagnostic services to be provided will require them to have advanced scientific knowledge and skills, superior reasoning ability and empathy for humankind.

The qualification will equip students with the relevant knowledge, skills and competencies to manage and treat patients effectively as well as engage in community upliftment.

This qualification promotes the principles of lifelong learning as it is available to learners of aligned qualifications in the field of CM. It is essential within the South African environment to provide health care which is accessible to the community and is of a high professional standard.

The MHSc (Complementary Medicine) aims at contributing to skills development in response to the profession's needs, as well as by providing increased opportunities for applied research that will contribute to the development of intellectual capital.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

The institution accepts Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) as an integral part of education and academic practice. It is acknowledged that all learning has value and the institution accepts the challenge to assess prior learning and status will be given for credits that are aligned to the learning outcomes of the programme and to promote lifelong learning.

The Institutional RPL policy will be applied. Through RPL, a learner may gain access, or advanced placement, or recognition of status.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• Bachelor of Health Sciences in Complementary Medicine (Level 8, 480 Credits).

This qualification consists of the following compulsory and elective modules at National Qualifications Framework Levels 8 and 9 totalling 180 Credits.

Compulsory Modules at Level 8: 15 Credits

• Practice Management and Jurisprudence II, 15 Credits.

Compulsory Modules at Level 9,100 Credits

• Clinical Practice II, 45 Credits.
• Research Project, 55 Credits.

Elective Modules, 65 Credits

Choose two of the following.

• Homeopathic Materia Medical III, 30 Credits.

Or

• Phytotherapy III, 30 Credits.
• Applied Homeopathic Materia Medica II, 35 Credits.

Or

• Applied Phytotherapy II, 35 Credits.

1. Examine, diagnose and interpret clinical data in order to identify and assess the range of health problems presented to Complementary Medicine (CM) practitioners, and contrive a comprehensive and holistic approach with the integration of relevant clinical competencies and CM knowledge.
2. Integrate biomedical, behavioural and social sciences relevant to health promotion and management within a primary health care setting.
3. Compose treatment and prevention plans that would promote and manage health, with an understanding of the role and function of other health disciplines and their relevance in multi-disciplinary patient management.
4. Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, and apply the principles of medical ethics and professional behaviour within a professional multi-cultural and international context.
5. Critically use multiple sources of literature in order to develop and contribute towards research output in a CM related field.
6. Evaluate and implement the pharmaceutical and legislative requirements pertaining to the manufacture and sale of CMs within a compliant dispensary.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Solve complex health problems through the innovative application of knowledge and conceptual thinking skills.
• Demonstrate competence by applying the theoretical principles of problem identification and solving in the field of Complementary Medicine (CM) and reflecting on the application made.
• Apply the appropriate therapeutic protocols within their relevant domain to the treatment of patients in a clinical setting.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Differentiate between social and behavioural aspects of health and the relationship between health behaviour, the community, society and the environment.
• Apply qualifications, policies and activities to promote health and assess impact.
• Integrate biomedical knowledge with evidence-based practice in the treatment and management of common health conditions related to the studied body systems.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Identify multidisciplinary approaches in the prevention of illness and the improvement of health within the community and for the individual.
• Demonstrate specialist knowledge in the formulation of strategic solutions in the CM environment, in order to identify and apply appropriate methodologies to solve these problems, and recommend alternative solutions.
• Provide evidence of the ability to choose between various methods of managerial decision-making and action needed for the achievement of the organisational objectives that determine the long-term performance of the organisation.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Communicate effectively orally and in writing at an advanced level with the different role players in the health field by applying the theoretical principles of communication and reflecting on the application thereof.
• Act in accordance with the requirements of a health professional.
• Take account of, act in accordance with prescribed organisational and professional ethical codes of conduct, values and practices and to seek guidance on ethical and professional issues where necessary.
• Accept the responsibility for their own activities and progress in the field of CM.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• Plan and exercise research in the field of CM and related management; including the gathering, analysing, synthesising and interpreting information on economic, business management and health issues correctly, utilising the relevant theoretical research principles and reflecting on the research undertaken.
• Identify and investigate a research question or problem, and apply advanced specialist knowledge of the main areas of one or more fields, disciplines or practices, including an understanding of the key terms, concepts, facts, principles, rules and theories related to the practise of CM.
• Demonstrate intellectual competencies and research skills in the areas of CM and implement strategies in order to address changes in climate, the political arena, culture, disease and disasters.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6

• Apply the pharmaceutical and legislative requirements pertaining to the manufacture and sale of CMs and the operation of a dispensary, including related compounding and dispensing procedures.
• Provide evidence of ethical, legal and therapeutic considerations in all facets of compounding and dispensing medicines and therapeutic devices through correct application.
• Compound and dispense the required medication according to good manufacturing and good pharmacy practice.
• Correctly advise and manage patients to ensure quality use of medicine and improve health status.

Integrated Assessment

The number of assessments are informed by module and module outcomes as well as by the nature of the knowledge area or skills that are being assessed, e.g. written tests to assess cognitive processes/skills and/or knowledge of theory and objective structured clinical examination (OSCE), clinical sessions and or simulations to assess clinical skills. The actual number of assessments offered will be in-line with institutional and faculty policies on assessment, and designed according to stipulated requirements from the regulatory body Allied Health Professions Council of South Africa (AHPCSA).

Formative Assessment refers to assessment that takes place during the process of learning and teaching. Formative assessments may include tutorials, conducting class presentations, active participation in group work, peer assessments, written class tests and assignments. Formative Assessment:

• Supports the teaching and learning process.
• Provides feedback to the student on his/her progress.
• Determine the student's strengths and weaknesses.
• Assists in the planning of future learning.
• Is developmental in nature and contributes to the student's capacity for self-evaluation.
• Helps to make decisions on the readiness of the student to do a summative assessment.

Summative Assessments are conducted for the purpose of making a judgment about the level of competence of students in relation to the outcomes of a unit/module and/or qualification. The results of such formal assessment (e.g. tests, assignments, projects, presentations, creative production or traditional examinations) are expressed as a mark reflecting a pass or a fail. The minimum number of summative opportunities required, are contained in the Academic Regulations. The Faculty of Health Sciences has its own assessment policy, to which the Department subscribes.