A framework to position the somatology profession in South Africa

Abstract

Somatologists in South Africa no longer only practice beauty technology. They receive highly skilled training in the well being of the whole body, thus a more holistic approach is emphasized. Currently, stakeholders in the field of somatology are facing a number of challenges, which could impact greatly on the profession. The question of recurriculation, in order to align the training provided for somatologists with the new Higher Education Qualification Framework (HEQF) and the possible registration of the profession with a statutory body, are some of the challenges posed to the profession. In order to position the somatology profession favourably in South Africa, it was thus necessary to explore the current status of the profession through input from all stakeholders in the industry and to develop a possible framework. The objective of the study was firstly to obtain quantitative information from stakeholders in the field of somatology on matters related to their professional training, employment, recurriculation, referral trends to and from medical professionals and registration of the profession. Secondly, to obtain quantitative information from other medical professionals regarding referrals to somatologists and thirdly, to develop a possible framework that could facilitate the positioning of somatology more favourably as a profession in South Africa. Data were collected by means of two separate questionnaires, one sent to stakeholders in the somatology field and the other to medical professionals specializing in the fields of dermatology, plastic surgery and oncology. The results indicated that the stakeholders in the somatology field were satisfied with the current training provided by registered IX private providers and Universities of Technology. Job satisfaction was experienced by most, however, the hours and days worked could be improved. The need for short courses, as a means of staying in touch with the latest developments in the somatology industry, was identified. Currently, there exists a referral trend between somatologists and medical professionals, however, the frequency of referrals could be improved. The need for the somatology profession to register with a statutory body was identified by both somatologists and medical professionals. Two possible frameworks, with regards to the training provided for somatologists and the registration of the profession, were compiled based on the feedback obtained in the study, in order to position the profession somatology more favourably in South Africa.