Master of Health Sciences in Homoeopathy

Purpose

The purpose of this qualification is to develop a learner expertly competent in the knowledge, attitudes, insight and skills required for consulting, diagnosing, communicating holistic advice to and managing patients in the field of homoeopathy. The qualifying learner will be able to competently apply and integrate theoretical principles, evidence based techniques, practical exposure and appropriate skills as primary contact practitioners according to the scope of practice of a Homoeopath. The qualification of study will produce a well-rounded learner who will be competent to compound, dispense and prescribe homoeopathic medicines within that scope of practice. The learner will be a team player capable of working in multidisciplinary teams to promote the profession. Persons attaining this qualification will be able to conduct research on homoeopathic relevance. The qualification will render them eligible for registration with the statutory body.

Rationale

Homoeopathy is a legally recognised profession within the South African healthcare provision. All homoeopaths are required to be registered with the Allied Health Professions Council of South Africa (AHPCSA), under Act 63 of 1982, and such registration entitles the registered homoeopath to diagnose and treat any ailment in humans, and to supply and dispense applicable medicine. The current minimum qualification for registration with the AHPCSA is a Master's Degree in Technology: Homoeopathy, or an MBChB (or its equivalent) and a 3-year part-time Postgraduate homoeopathic qualification [MFHom].

The Bachelor of Health Sciences in Homoeopathy is a professional Bachelors' Degree [480 Credits] that represents a renewal of the existing National Diploma-Bachelor of Technology Degrees in light of the evident deficiencies of the existing qualification, the imperatives and guidelines of the HEQSF, the needs of the profession and requirements of the AHPCSA, the vision and mission of the University, and international benchmarks [a medical Degree with Postgraduate homoeopathic training is the normal structure of international primary-contact homoeopathic qualifications, and is the basis upon which licensing is typically provided].

There are currently 555 registered homoeopaths in South Africa [AHPCSA: 27 April 2012] which represents a 1:91 150 ratio to the general population. Almost all of these are in individual private practice or some form of group practice with other homoeopaths, general practitioners, chiropractors or other medical personnel. Opportunities for homoeopaths within the general population have shown considerable growth in recent years. The AHPCSA and the HSA have made submissions to, and have been in discussions with the National Department of Health for the inclusion of Homoeopathy within the public health system and the National Health Insurance (NHI). It is envisaged that learner of the Master of Health Sciences in Homoeopathy will find employment within both the public and private healthcare sectors, may enter private practice, or find employment within the homoeopathic pharmaceutical industry, the education sector, or within Non-Governmental Organisation.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Learners will be admitted into the qualification with credit given to prior learning in terms of the institution's RPL Policy.

Entry Requirements

The Bachelor of Health Sciences in Homoeopathy is the pre-requisite qualification for entry into the Master of Health Sciences in Homoeopathy Degree.

The qualification consists of 9 compulsory modules at NQF Level 7, 8 and 9 totalling 184 Credits.

Modules at NQF Level 7

• Small Business Accounting and Jurisprudence, 12 Credits.

Modules at NQF Level 8

• Personal and Professional Development V, 16 Credits.

Modules at NQF Level 9

• Clinical Practice III, 32 Credits.
• Clinical Gynaecology, 12 Credits.
• Clinical Obstetrics, 12 Credits.
• Clinical Paediatrics, 12 Credits.
• Clinical homoeopathy, 12 Credits.
• Materia Medica V, 16 Credits.
• Research Project and Dissertation, 60 Credits.

1. Effectively communicate and apply the principles of medical ethics, professional behaviour and the legal framework to the context.
2. Analyse and interpret clinical data in order to make a diagnosis and implement a range of treatment.
3. Apply knowledge and understanding of homoeopathy to analyse and develop solutions relating to issues within the field taking into consideration fundamental principles.
4. Provide essential knowledge and skills with regard to the homoeopathic management of the pregnant female and infant, during pregnancy and postpartum.
5. Understand and integrate knowledge and competencies relevant to the establishment and management of a homoeopathic practice.
6. Conduct Master's level research in a homeopathically-related field and present it in an academically appropriate format.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Ethical conduct in a range of professional contexts is demonstrated.
• Self-awareness and the ability to effect positive change in a professional context are demonstrated.
• The ability to communicate and participate professionally in a multi-cultural context is demonstrated.
• The ability to engage and collaborate with adjunctive professionals and other health disciplines as part of a multi-disciplinary health team is demonstrated.
• A range of specific interventions are identified to address disease prevention and promotion of health.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Clinical data relevant to a range of health problems is independently elicited.
• Clinical data is independently collated and analysed in terms of presenting signs and symptoms.
• Diagnosis is formulated based on clinical data derived from a range of sources.
• Advanced clinical knowledge and skills are integrated and applied to formulate an appropriate management plan.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Appropriate techniques to address complex problems within the specialised field are designed, selected and applied.
• Specialised subject or discipline knowledge and core principles of homoeopathy are interrogated.
• Ability to critic and analyse with an understanding of the consequences of solutions or insights generated is demonstrated.
• The health status of an individual is evaluated through accurate diagnosis of disease.
• Correct homoeopathic prescription is formulated by applying the laws and principles of homoeopathy in a clinical setting.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Comprehensive knowledge of foetal and maternal anatomy, physiology and pathology is analysed to provide a better and well informed advice and practice.
• Any abnormalities with regard to pregnancy, labour and the postpartum period are recognised.
• Appropriate examinations and investigations of the pregnant female are conducted.
• Cases are referred to an obstetrician and/ or midwife and communication with these healthcare providers are conducted when required.
• Appropriate homoeopathic remedies for ailments during pregnancy, labour and the postpartum period are prescribed.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• Theoretical knowledge in writing prescriptions, compounding and dispensing medicines in a legally compliant clinic dispensary is applied.
• Pathophysiology assessment, diagnosis and treatment of obstetric and paediatric patients are identified and discussed.
• Detailed knowledge of intermediate life support of all obstetric and a paediatric emergency is applied and the key concepts of emergency medical care in this context are applied.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6

• Homeopathically-related research is conducted, evaluated and presented in the form of a dissertation.
• Research paper in a format suitable for journal submission is presented.
• Critical enquiry and advanced research skills are followed and logical arguments to address complex and challenging problems are constructed.
• Hypotheses and assumptions are formulated and checked through a comprehensive review of leading and current research.

Integrated Assessment

Assessment strategies conform to the institution's assessment policy and are be designed to encourage the attainment of the learning outcomes of each module. The range of assessment strategies adopted across the qualification is congruous with the associated assessment criteria, exit level outcomes of the qualification. Each module has a module co-ordinator who will be responsible for the design and management of the assessment in that module according to the learning outcomes and assessment criteria of the specific module. Learners are made aware of the nature, number and forms of assessment in module study guides.

Summative assessments in the form of theory and practical tests per term and a final annual theory and practical examination are the predominant mode of assessment. In addition the Department makes significant use of a range of contexts for formative assessment. These assessments are on-going and less formal, almost always patient-based, and conducted across a range of supervisors or assessors in order to achieve a more holistic development of competencies. Within the qualification there are also a notable use of critical self-reflection, group work, case presentation, and online assessment. Class assignments and projects will be assessed in both written and oral formats.

Oral assessments take the form of case evaluations. Class presentations of topics and case taking peer evaluations are also important components. Case presentation, prescription formulation and patient management are assessed in the clinic facility and represent a combination of both formative and summative assessment strategies. Quarterly case evaluations, as formal combination assessments which span most of the qualifications Exit Level Outcomes are seen to be critical, as these provide tremendous insight into how competently the student is meeting (or has met) the purpose and outcomes of the qualification.

The department scrutinises assessments to ensure accuracy and appropriateness of methods. The module co-ordinators also ensure alignment with the assessment criteria and learning outcomes to maintain validity of the assessment. The reliability of assessment is promoted through active attempts to reduce variables during assessment. In case evaluations this is difficult since each learner would be assessed on a unique case. In these cases there is a marking rubric which allows for evaluation in terms of the presenting case.

Summative assessment is used to certify the attainment of a certain level of learning, practical skill and complex decision-making. As formalised assessments these provide a basis upon which the range of formative inputs and assessments may effectively develop the more subtle and 'soft' skills typical of the competent homoeopath. The strategies employed in this qualification are aligned with the learning outcomes and assessment criteria and are implicitly designed around achieving both the Exit Level Outcomes and Associated Assessment Criteria reflected in the qualification registration documents.

Self-assessment in terms of critical self-reflection is encouraged throughout the qualification. Assessment practices within the Department encourage learners to assess and evaluate their strengths, weaknesses and difficulties by means of clinic logbooks and formal case presentations.