Postgraduate Diploma in Somatology

Purpose

The Postgraduate Diploma in Somatology will equip qualifying learners from other healthcare backgrounds with necessary competencies to function as a multi-skilled, socially responsible Somatologist with integrated, comprehensive knowledge to be able to develop a holistic approach necessary to facilitate appropriate palliative care in a clinical setting. The qualifying learners will determine and provide the appropriate preventative, rehabilitative and palliative treatments to promote physical and emotional wellbeing. The Somatologist will be able to practice independently or in conjunction with other healthcare professionals to promote holistic health and wellness through referral and cooperative practices.

The qualification will also equips the diplomats to become an associate of a multi-disciplinary team that works together with medical doctors, pharmacists, plastic surgeons, dieticians, physiotherapists, sports teams and dermatologists. The qualification also aims to prepare students seeking to advance their studies with the integration of research concepts.

Rationale

The focus of this qualification is to adopt an integrated or interdisciplinary approach with other health care professionals with an interest in palliative and holistic care practices, it also provide qualifying learners with a deeper understanding and knowledge of the Somatology discipline. The primary aim is to instil critical reflective practices within the graduate to be able to determine, design and perform the most appropriate specialised treatment option for a client whether it be a terminally ill patient or a professional athlete.

In recent years, a major shift has occurred within the health sector where the emphasis has progressed from a curative approach to a more preventative approach. Linked to this, a need for different forms of therapies to complement and supplement one another in pursuit of optimum health for clients. This has narrowed the gap between that which has traditionally been seen as allopathic and alternative medicine and therapies.

Today, the traditional Western medical field acknowledges the value and positive medical research supporting various complementary, alternative and adjunct therapies and methodologies (Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM)). A South African study conducted found that 39% of all medical professions referred patients to Somatologists, while 66% of Somatologists referred clients to a medical professional. Thus, many health concerns can be identified or avoided earlier and reduce the stress on the already heavily burdened health care sector.

Due to the availability of and access to information the general public is also more aware in terms of the health and well-being of the human body, as well as quicker, new less invasive therapies, techniques and technologies and are therefore demanding a more holistic approach from health practitioners.

Therefore, the focus within the field of Somatic therapies has also shifted from a 'traditional only aesthetic focus' to a multi-skilled health and wellness related focus. This field has seen major advances in terms of new technologies, techniques and products which place the practicing Somatologist in a position to receive referrals from health care professionals, and vice versa. It is also envisaged that even health care centres will employ qualified Somatologists to help reduce pain and discomfort associated with recuperation and to provide relief and improved health and well-being.

The qualification will incorporate specialisation in rehabilitative and palliative care such as specialised massages for oncology patients or with the introduction of deep tissue and sports massage techniques for professional athletes. Thereby providing axillary support to other health care professionals. Many other health care professions such as nurses have expressed interest in expanding their practices to incorporate these types of treatments to offer their patients increased quality of care.

It is therefore vital to train Somatologists that are able to adapt to an ever shifting world by identifying best-practices complying with professional standards and ethics as well as to provide to the needs of clients and the industry within clinics, wellness centres, health care settings and spas, both nationally and internationally (Less, 2007; Warfield, 2001). Through initiating and conducting research this can be achieved.

On a national basis, there are a number of universities of technologies currently offering the Bachelor of Technology in Somatology and once phased out, are planning to offer an Advanced Diploma in the Somatology at National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 7 and a Postgraduate Diploma at NQF Level 8. While some private providers may offer specialised courses, however this still does not meet the national or international needs particularly in the area of research, and further advancement in the Somatology field, some modalities offered in this qualification could assist in reducing the pressure placed on primary health care in South Africa.

More Somatologists work in collaboration with other medical professionals in order to improve client/patient care and recovery. The introduction of medical spas is also become a popular trend and the new qualification will assist in providing qualified staff that can oversee these sort after positions.

Entrepreneurs are desperately needed in South Africa and Africa to improve the economy and this qualification provides diplomats broader scope to be more competitive and become self-employed and employers themselves.

The industry was consulted through questionnaires and advisory board representatives and it was advised that the qualification would provide more interdisciplinary specialisation modalities that will meet the needs of industry.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Rules for awarding RPL credits will be in accordance with the institution's policy.

A portfolio will provide the learner with an opportunity to demonstrate competence and will not be so onerous as to prevent learners from taking up the RPL option towards gaining this qualification.

This Recognition of Prior Learning may allow

• Accelerated access to further learning at this or higher levels on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF).
• Gaining or exemption of credits.
• Obtaining of the Somatology Post Graduate Diploma in part.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• Advanced Diploma in: Somatology, NQF Level 7.

Or

• Bachelor of Technology: Somatology, NQF Level 7.

This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at Level 8 totalling 120 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, 120 Credits

• Somatic Sports Massage Therapy, 32 Credits.
• Somatic Research Project, 32 Credits.
• Permanent Remedial Somatic Therapy Procedures, 24 Credits.
• Holistic and Palliative Somatic Therapy, 32 Credits.

1. Critically and holistically evaluate the current state of the body in order to identify, recommend and perform the appropriate specialised remedial, rehabilitative, curative, preventative, palliative treatments safely and/or referrals according to ethical standards of the profession.
2. Demonstrate and apply collaborative holistic palliative practices with other health care professionals within either a Somatology related setting or health care practice.
3. Design and conduct meaningful research within the Somatology/Wellness context.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Describe and explain different body systems in terms of anatomy and physiology, related disorders, pathologies and nutrition.
• Use knowledge of the structure and function of the body systems to identify pathologies disorders and appropriate treatments.
• Describe, explain and apply ethically concepts and principles of complementary alternative modalities, Somatology and Wellness Science.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Understand the importance of a collaborative holistic approach to care including the psychological and sociological perspectives involved.
• Identify fundamental issues associated with client/patient and team communication and the provision of care for clients/patients undergoing palliative care.
• Discuss management philosophies of care and therapeutic approaches and interventions, advanced care planning.
• Evaluate and improve palliative care through developing supportive and effective intervention approaches to interdisciplinary working.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Design, practice and present comprehensive analyses of integrated therapies based on scientific principles, practices and knowledge through case studies.
• Design and apply meaningful research protocols for the advancement and development of the Somatology/Wellness discipline.
• Design and conduct a research project within the field of Somatology.

Integrated Assessment

No exams will be written as the qualification's assessment approach will comprise of formative and summative assessments, thereby encouraging development of learning. As the qualification has, practice based modalities, the approach incorporates a variety of formative and summative assessments such as but not limited to case studies, simulations, group work, theoretical tests and reflective practices, to be utilised to maximise student-learning experiences as the students will be able to apply the theory when integrating the knowledge when treating clients.

General and individual feedback will be sought after each assessment. Learner feedback will either be provided verbally or in written format with two weeks of the date of assessment. Opportunity for reassessment after intervention may be provided when necessary.