News
Dr Olga Turner at FICTA AGM on Saturday 29 May 2010.
Dr Olga Turner in a physician who qualified in Belgrade, where she worked in hospital for 17 years, specialising in Paediatrics and Cardiology. She is a Specialist Consultant in Quantum Medicine in Russia and Serbia.
She holds a qualification in Acupuncture from the WHO approved school in Belgrade and is also a qualified Homeopath and Chiropractor.
Olga has lived and worked in Ireland for 11 years and has a passion for teaching. She is a fountain of knowledge and warmly welcomes invitations to give lectures. Her particular interest is the place of nutrition in complementary healthcare.
Dr Turner will give a talk on alternative diagnosis and treatments in maintaining healthy hormones, with particular emphasises on Thyroid disfunction.
Time: 3.30 p.m.
Venue: Milltown Park, Ranelagh.
Admission: free and limited to FICTA Members.
CAM European Map - EFCAM Survey extended
Information required for EU Health Directorate
A number of CAM therapists associations in Ireland have already provided the information asked for in this EFCAM generated survey. Because of the disappointingly low number of contributions, the closing date for returning the EFCAM survey data sheet - which is available from Seamus Connolly at seamus_connolly@eircom.net - has been extended to the end of May (2010).
For the purpose of this survey, complementary and alternative therapies/medicines are understood to be a broad range of remedial healthcare systems and practices which are not intrinsic to politically dominant national health services.
The aim of the survey is to gather as much basic information as possible, about the practise of as many complementary and alternative therapies/medicines as possible in the European area.
If you are a member of more than one complementary therapy association or know of other therapy practitioners associations, please support this EFCAM initiative by passing on this notice.
The information asked for will enable EFCAM to present a substantial ‘map’ to the EU Health Directorate, on the extent to which CAM is practised throughout Europe.
EFCAM hopes that the completed map will result in your therapy being included in the next stage of the Cambrella research project (http://www.cambrella.eu/cambrella/ca.html) which is expected to get underway early in June.
The representative bodies in Ireland of complementary therapies which are practised here and across Europe should gather and record as much verifiable information they can from as many European countries as possible. EFCAM can only speak for those therapies it has reliable information about, even when it knows other therapies exist.
Please return the completed data sheet to Seamus before the end of May. You can contact him at +353 (0)1 296 2839.
April 27 2010
EU funded CAM Research
The EU has made a grant €1.5 million available for a three year research programme into Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) in Europe.
The consortium, CAMbrella was successful in its bid to manage the project, which will be carried out by a number of university based research teams, working with an Advisory Group of representatives from the CAM sector, patient groups and the public. EFCAM is represented on the Advisory Board by its President Seamus Connolly (Ireland).
The inaugural meeting of the project group in Munich on the 21 & 22 January 2010 was addressed by a representative of the EU Commission Directorate General for Research and Development who outlined the responsibilities of the project managers. A report will be produced for a final project conference in December 2012 at which the results will be discussed and recommendations for further research into CAM will be presented.
The areas to be researched include descriptions of the various CAM therapies; definitions of terms; the use of complementary therapies, consumers needs and expectations; and the providers perspectives, including those of the CAM therapeutic products industry.
Preliminary information is available on CAMbrella. This site will quickly develop as the project is rolled-out.
Source: EFCAM
end
February 2010
Guidelines for the Employment of Complementary Therapists
The 'Guidelines for the Employment of Complementary Therapists in a Community Setting', developed by the Fatima Groups United in Dublin and endorsed by FICTA in 2008, has now been published. This very attractive and useful booklet was launched by Roisin Ryder, Co-ordinator of the Fatima Health Initiative in "F2", their very fine community centre on December 17th 2009. With her permission, the text of the booklet is available to you on the Regulation page of this web-site.
The event also involved the launch of a unique profile of health & wellbeing groups and services in the Dublin South Inner city area entitled 'What’s out there?' by Brian Murphy, HSE National Primary Care Services Manager & Ellen O'Dea, Acting Primary Care Manager, HSE Dublin South City, who marked the establishment of the local Primary Care Team (PCT).
At the request of the FGU (Fatima Groups United) FICTA will continue to work with them to promote and support the use of complementary therapies in community settings around the country on the basis of their evident benefits to this community, which were strongly endorsed by Roisin in her opening address.
The Acting Primary Care Team Manager Ellen O'Dea, has agreed to provide FICTA with a copy of the Referral Form used by the team, so that together with the FGU and the PCT, we can begin to develop a suitable referral system and forms for complementary therapists to link in effectively with medical services.
end.
January 2010
Regulation V Registration
With reference to the article "Regulation could cure mistrust" by Sylvia Thompson (Irish Times HEALTHplus 27 January 2009), I wish to say that FICTA is in full agreement with the National Consumer Agency (NCA) spokespersons remark that a "centralised resource on complementary therapies ... would make life easier for consumers rather than ... (having) to look at different registers for different therapies”.
Article 106 in the Health Strategy 2000 committed the Government to establishing a register of complementary therapist. On the occasion of the publication of the National Working Groups Report to the Minister on the Regulation of Complementary Therapists in 2006, Minister Harney T.D. said her Department favours a voluntary self-regulation regime for complementary therapists.
One of the eight recommendations in the Report is that some therapies be regulated by statute on the basis of perceived risk to consumers. This recommendation has resulted in considerable confusion around the regulation of traditional therapies, and the registration of the therapists who practice them. Because of this, there remains the need for Government support such as that enjoyed by the Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council (CNHC) in the U.K., and significant recognition of the commitment of the CAM sector to establish a balanced, workable regulatory regime for complementary therapists in Ireland.
The model on which the CNHC is based was put to the Department of Health and Children by FICTA in 2001. FICTA has continued to base its work for the regulation of complementary therapists on this model and is in the process of establishing an internal Council which will address the issue of the training and education of therapists. This is an essential first step towards any form of a nationally adopted regulation system for the sector in general.
With the assistance of Dr Ronnie Swain of University College Cork, FICTA has developed a Meta-Code (guidelines) of Ethics for the benefit and use of its members. A key directive of this code is that a therapist should not offer a therapy they are not adequately qualified to practice.
In her address to the WHO Congress on Traditional Medicine in Beijing 2008, Dr Margaret Chan asked "what explains the sharp rise in the use of complementary and alternative medicines?". In answering her own question Dr Chan pointed to "Some commentators in journals such as the British Medical Journal, The Lancet, and the New England Journal of Medicine interpret this trend as a biting criticism of high-technology, specialized medicine, despite all its well-documented merits." A growing number of people are looking for the "more compassionate, personalized, and comprehensive health care" that complementary therapists provide. She makes no bones of the inherent dangers in this if traditional therapies and medicines are not "in the hands of properly trained, experienced, and licensed practitioners performing an ancient, culturally respected, and useful art of compassionate care and healing". This has always been and continues to be the position of FICTA on the twin issues of the training and the regulation of complementary therapists in Ireland.
In conclusion, FICTA applauds Dr Chan's closing remark - "The time has never been better, and the reasons never greater, for giving traditional medicine its proper place in addressing the many ills that face all our modern – and our traditional – societies."
(WHO http://www.who.int/dg/speeches/2008/20081107/en/index.html)
Lucy Mullee
Chairperson
HETAC Award Standards for Complementary Therapies
At a meeting of its members in September 2008, and in conjunction with the adoption of Standards for Complementary Therapies, the Council agreed the following:
"that HETAC engage initially (but on a pilot basis) only with providers of programmes of education and training in acupuncture, herbal medicine and Traditional Chinese Medicine. . . . during the pilot phase only programmes leading to ab-initio major awards at Level 7 and above in the specified therapies will be considered for validation. . . . Council agreed that federation of professional bodies/associations within a therapy shall normally be a condition for programme validation.'
posted 8 February 2009
Notes on FICTA meeting with HETAC
on 9th July 2008,
at HETAC Office, Denzille Lane, Dublin 2.
Present:
HETAC (Higher Education and Training Awards Council)
Dr Brian Maguire –Director of Academic Affairs
Ms. Mary Sheridan - Head of Recognition and Standards
Ms Tara Ryan –Head of Programme Monitoring
FICTA (Federation of Irish Complementary Therapy Associations)
Mrs Lucy Mullee - Chair
Ms. Mary Anderson - Vice-Chair
Ms. Valerie McLaughlin
Mr. Clive Lucas
At the beginning of the meeting it was agreed that it would be of one hour’s duration.
The FICTA Chair opened the meeting by explaining that FICTA would like, principally, to
(1) discuss a few points arising from the meeting between FICTA and HETAC held on 17th December 2007, (2) the internal functioning of HETAC and (3) joint awards.
1. Awards
The HETAC representatives explained that "mixed awards" means progression from a Level 5 Standard (entry standard) to Level 8, typically over a 4 year period. Level 5 is equivalent to Leaving Certificate standard. HETAC level 6 and 7 are stand alone awards. In order to facilitate progression, it is possible for a learner to use credits earned for an award at one level in the NFQ (National Framework of Qualifications) towards an award at a higher level, in a cognate (similar) area of learning. A Level 6 award is usually achieved in two years, (120 credits), a Level 7 award (an ordinary Bachelor Degree) can be achieved by a further year of study (+ 60 =180) and a Level 8 award (honours Bachelor Degree) being achieved by a further (4th) year of study (+ 60 = 240).
HETAC explained that some research element is an essential component of the award at level 8 and above. Knowledge, skill and competence are a requirement for all major awards.
The balance of knowledge, skills or competence in any programme depends on the professional field and purpose of the programme. In nursing, for example, a programme in Nursing Studies would not qualify a learner to work as a nurse. In the case of a regulated profession, the programme must be accredited by the regulatory body to be qualified to practice.
HETAC added that all fields of learning are as diverse as complementary therapies. The FICTA Chair pointed out that complementary therapies are not as diverse as they might seem and a common thread runs through them. FICTA could identify common modules for a CAM level 8 (honours degree) award, for example.
On the question of awards for Continuing Professional Development (CPD), HETAC advised that in Framework terms, provision is made through supplementary awards. CPD programmes are linked to awards but as yet, none have been approved.
2. HETAC - Internal Functioning
Recognition and Standards
As Head of Recognition and Standards, Ms Sheridan explained that expert groups determine the standards (level of learning) of an award. Following consultation, the standards are adopted by the Council. The titles of awards can differ, as for example at level 8 Standard, a learner can be awarded an Honours Degree or a Higher Diploma.
HETAC indicated that many programmes are not accredited initially. In such cases the provider is advised on what needs to be amended and invited to resubmit within a timescale that is dependent on the extent of revision required.
While a professional body can also be an educational provider, applications for a HETAC award are made by providers.
While they are expected to consult and work with each other, FICTA prefers the education providers and the professional associations to be separate entities because of potential conflicts of interests.
The assistance that HETAC can give to education providers is constrained by its resources and its function, but HETAC gives advice where and when it can.
3. Joint Awards
HETAC advised that a Joint Award is made only where a programme is accredited by two or more bodies with statutory awarding authority and the programme/s can be delivered at more than one centre.
HETAC will not make joint awards with a professional body that does not have statutory awarding authority. FICTA asked if HETAC would work with a non statutory but self regulating body in the accreditation of programmes. HETAC said that it already does so e.g. Engineers
4. National Working Group Report
HETAC referred to the National Working Group Report as being the only public document to which it can refer for guidance in relation to public policy on CAM.
The issue of malpractice is a matter of concern. HETAC is an awarding body. It has no competence in the area of professional competence. It relies on regulated professions to accredit programmes for professional purpose, e.g An Bord Altranais for Nursing and Engineers Ireland for engineering. It was agreed that qualifications alone do not guarantee safe or ethical practice.
The HETAC accreditation process occurs against HETAC standards (standards of the NFQ) and HETAC is determined that its awards in complementary therapies would be of the highest international standard. This view was welcomed by FICTA as being its determination also.
HETAC also indicated that the ability of teachers to deliver a course at higher levels is a consideration.
A further issue which has arisen from the National Working Group Report was whether or not HETAC should proceed with the accreditation of all complementary therapies at this time. In the event, the Council had decided to proceed with making awards for Acupuncture, Herbal Medicine and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).
HETAC advised that its standards are overarching and academic and the Council is taking a strict approach toward accrediting complementary therapies. It will focus initially on those therapies where an Honours Degree (level 8) is considered the appropriate minimum standard.
5. Other Matters
Draft Standards
HETAC advised that it had received feedback on the draft standards for complementary therapy programmes published last year after which it consulted with University Registrars, etc. The standards have not yet been formally adopted by the Council. Programmes for complementary therapy will not be approved before they are adopted. It is expected that this will happen at the Council meeting in September.
UK Awards
FICTA mentioned that Irish professional bodies were looking to the UK to obtain awards for their therapies as it appeared to be easier to obtain awards there. HETAC advised that the position with regard to awards is different in the UK in that representative bodies are encouraged to become awarding bodies and, as a consequence, their numbers are increasing.
Experts
FICTA enquired if HETAC would consult with a professional body prior to accrediting a programme for an award. HETAC replied that it did not know, as yet, with whom it would consult and reiterated that the Council would satisfy itself that there was a regulatory body in place. This being a new field for HETAC, it will also look internationally for experts e.g. the World Health Organisation. FICTA indicated that it would be willing to assist in the provision of experts from its membership.
FETAC
Dr Maguire said that consideration should be given to accessing FETAC awards for some complementary therapy programmes. The opportunity to progress to HETAC standards in the future would still stand/apply.
end
National Health Consultative Forum
Mary Harney T.D., Minister for Health and Children has invited FICTA to nominate a delegate for consideration by her for appointment to the 2008 National Health Consultative Forum which she will convene in Galway, on April 10th. 2008.
FICTA has nominated the chair, Kieran Haughey for the consideration of the Minister. Once nominated persons are accepted by the Minister, their appointment to the Forum will be confirmed by letter from her.
The Forum will be chaired by Professor John Bowman, and the theme being developed is around "Best practice in change programmes having particular regard for the move from hospital to community based health services, incorporating current thinking on innovative practices and flexible working hours etc. "
FICTA meeting with HETAC
On December 17th. 2007, FICTA delegates met with HETAC representatives, Dr Brian Maguire, Director of Academic Affairs and Ms. Mary Sheridan, Head of Recognition and Information Management, to discuss how to progress the accreditation of CAM training and education in a mutually agreed way and to the optimum benefit for all concerned. While HETAC's statutory role is to accredit any courses that meet it's educational requirements and outcomes, Dr Maguire and Ms Sheridan are agreeable to holding further meetings on a regular basis with FICTA representatives and helping all parties work towards achieving suitable awards for the CAM sector in Ireland.
It is also hoped that regular and ad hoc meetings will help avoid the situation where the different bodies would see the issue of accreditation as solely the responsibility of another body for action/completion, and having a segmented or fragmented accreditation system for complementary therapy.
The interim Standards documentation was discussed and FICTA was told that further consultations were taking place with various university personal to decide the award structure that would be put in place and to agree the standard and name of award that would be made (such as B.A., B. Sc. etc.). Discussions of this nature are normal practice in the academic field and apply to all new courses. HETAC will formally launch of the Interim Standards, early in 2008.
Award Standards for Complementary Therapies
On July 31st. HETAC announced the development of Interim Standards for all Complementary Therapies. The Standards Document can be downloaded from the HETAC website. The Council expects to begin the process of implementing the agreed standards as early as September.
posted August 14th. 2007
Consultation on Award Standards for Complementary Therapies
Interim standards, for the purpose of developing programmes for Complementary Therapies have now been prepared by HETAC for the consideration of the CAM sector. Interested persons & bodies are invited to submit comments on the draft "Standards for Complementary Therapies" before July 31 2007.
The consultation document is available to download from the HETAC website
posted July 4th. 2007
Evaluation Report 2007, Recognition of Prior Learning
FETAC has recently completed a recognition of prior learning pilot project with a small group of providers. An evaluation of the project has been undertaken. See Recognition of Prior Learning Pilot Project Evaluation Report 2007 on www.fetac.ie.
HETAC Consultation: towards a new HETAC policy on learner assessment issues
The purposes of this consultation are 3 fold:
1. to encourage a debate on the multiple purposes of learner assessment in the teaching and learning process
2. to outline the principal issues which need to be taken into account in the formulation of relevant HETAC policy, and
3. to identify stakeholder views on those issues and on possible options for the overall approach to the development of HETAC policy in this area.
In light of the current process for developing awards for Complementary Therapies, procedures for the assessment of learners in this context, will play a critical role. FICTA members are therefore advised to respond to this opportunity to make known their views on the issues of the assessment of students of complementary therapies. The document can be downloaded from the HETAC website - www.hetac.ie
NOTE: the first stage of consultation closes on June 30th.
posted May 23 2007
HETAC Expert Group
The eight member Expert Group consulting on standards for awards in complementary therapies met on April 18th. It was a constructive meeting and the consultation document that was developed will be published shortly on Higher Education & Training Awards Council.
posted April 20th. 2007
HETAC Consultation on Awards
The HETAC Expert Group consulting on award standards for complementary therapies will be meeting in April - most likely after Easter - and will include international representatives.
posted April 4th. 2007
Facilitated Work Days
FICTA has been informed that the Department of Health and Children is proceeding with the appointment of facilitators for the working days and hopes to announce dates and venues shortly. Details will be posted on the Department web-site.
February 2007
Facilitated Work Days
The Department of Health and Children has notified FICTA's representatives to the National Working Group that it intends to provide the first of the working days in the New Year - beginning with Category 1. The plan at this stage is to bring all associations in that group together for one day and following that, decide how to proceed further.
Keith Comisky of the Dept/H&C told FICTA spokesperson, Catherine Dowling, that there will not be facilitated work days for all the therapies is the 2nd. Category, as there are too many. He advised that where there is more than one association representing the same therapy in Category 2, they should begin the federation process themselves, to agree on training & education standards. The Awarding Councils will be unable to proceed with either accreditation or recognition of prior learning (RPL) until both the Councils and the Regulators (association/federation) of therapies agree on standards. Providers cannot be regulators; Regulators cannot be providers.
December 2006
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Primary Care Teams:
The Health Services Executive (HSE) is committed to developing over 500 Primary Care Teams (PCT's) throughout the country in the next few years. This is the future of health care in Ireland.
The Teams will offer a wide range of health services in the community including, minor surgery. They will be responsive the needs identified by the communities they serve and influenced by consumer panels - a compulsory part of the development and ongoing shaping of the Teams.
Communities in general are well disposed to complementary therapies. They are already widely used in community projects. The PCT's are looking for evidence of effectiveness of the therapies that communities want provided. This does not mean randomised controlled trials, but rather the systematic and objective gathering of information from users. The HSE is asking for guidelines on employing complementary therapy practitioners - what to look for in terms of treatment plans, etc.
A Community Health Forum is shaping community involvement, in the development of the PCT just announced for Inchicore/Bluebell. Each community will be different in its level and means of involvement. The Partnerships and RAPID in particular, will be closely involved in the development of the PCT's. Pilots such as Ballymun are already up and running and some more have just been announced. Funding for 200 PCT's was announced in the Budget.