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Jon Adams - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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A study of the factors impacting on workforce distribution of Australian Osteopaths: The perspectives of Osteopathic students, academics and clinicians
International Journal of Osteopathic Medicine, 2020Co-Authors: Amie Steel, Jon Wardle, Tess Dingle, Jon AdamsAbstract:Abstract Objective The study aimed to investigate the major factors influencing Osteopaths' choice of clinical workplace and their experience practising in their geographical location. Methods Semi-structured interviews and focus groups with Australian Osteopathic clinicians, academics and students. Results Factors influencing practice location include personal factors and other external factors (such as financial and business skills, the practice environment, and the features of the destination). Osteopaths practising outside the greater Melbourne area describe their major challenges as the (1) lack of consistency of associates, (2) location of Osteopathy programs, (3) characteristics of new graduates, and (4) expectations and availability of mentoring. Conclusions The unique workforce distribution issues of the Australian Osteopathic profession identifies new perspectives beyond the urban/rural divide commonly explored within health workforce literature to now include drivers, facilitators and barriers to relocation between urban centres.
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Introducing national Osteopathy practice-based research networks in Australia and New Zealand: an overview to inform future Osteopathic research.
Scientific Reports, 2020Co-Authors: Amie Steel, David Sibbritt, Wenbo Peng, Jon AdamsAbstract:Both the Osteopathic Research Innovation Network (ORION) and the Osteopathy Research Connect-New Zealand (ORC-NZ) are practice-based research networks (PBRNs) recently established in Australia and New Zealand. This paper highlights the profile of the Osteopaths participating in each PBRN in order to encourage and facilitate further related research in Osteopathy. All registered Osteopaths in Australia and New Zealand were invited to participate in the ORION and ORC-NZ PBRNs, respectively. This paper presents practice and sociodemographic characteristics of the Osteopaths that elected to join the PBRN in their country. A total of 253 registered Osteopaths in New Zealand (48.7%) agreed to join ORC-NZ while 992 registered Osteopaths in Australia (44.5%) joined ORION. Membership of both PBRNs reflect national geographical spread, and diverse personal and practice characteristics. Combined membership of both PBRNs represents 45.3% of all registered Osteopaths in Australasia and 7.7% of the global Osteopathic profession. The PBRNs, independently and in combination, hold much potential to advance the evidence-base and capacity of Osteopathy research. Both ORION and ORC-NZ PBRNs are powerful, innovative resources available to other interested parties to help conduct further Osteopathy research in Australia and New Zealand.
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An investigation of Australian Osteopaths’ attitudes, skills and utilisation of evidence-based practice: a national cross-sectional survey
BMC Health Services Research, 2019Co-Authors: Matthew J. Leach, Oliver P. Thomson, Tobias Sundberg, Gary Fryer, Philip Austin, Jon AdamsAbstract:Osteopaths are an integral member of the health care team, playing a pivotal role in the provision of care for patients with musculoskeletal disorders. Osteopaths, like other health care providers, are under increasing pressure to deliver evidence-based health care and to improve patient outcomes. However, the extent to which Osteopaths engage in evidence-based practice (EBP), particularly in Australia, is not well understood. This study therefore set out to investigate the attitudes, skills and use of EBP, and perceived barriers and enablers of EBP uptake, among Osteopaths practicing in Australia. National cross-sectional survey of Australian registered Osteopaths. Eligible participants were invited by email and other digital media recruitment strategies to complete the online Evidence-Based Practice Attitude and Utilisation Survey (EBASE). A total of 332 Osteopaths completed the survey. The demographic characteristics of respondents were generally consistent with the characteristics of the Australian Osteopathy workforce. The respondents were mostly favourable of EBP, with the majority agreeing or strongly agreeing that EBP assists in making decisions about patient care (86.7%) and improves the quality of patient care (75.6%). While most respondents (88.3%) had some training in EBP, most reported a moderate level of perceived skill in EBP. The majority of respondents engaged infrequently (0–5 times) in EBP activities within the last month, and most indicated that a very small or small proportion of their clinical practice was based on clinical research evidence. Leading barriers to the uptake of EBP were lack of time and lack of clinical evidence in Osteopathy. Key enablers of EBP uptake were access to the internet and online databases at work, and access to full-text articles and EBP education materials. Osteopaths participating in the survey were largely supportive of evidence-based practice, yet engaged infrequently in EBP activities. An important next step in this research is to identify suitable strategies that effectively improve EBP uptake in Osteopathy, and perchance, improve patient outcomes.
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Prevalence and profile of Australian Osteopaths treating older people
Complementary Therapies in Medicine, 2019Co-Authors: Amie Steel, David Sibbritt, Wenbo Peng, Brett Vaughan, Paul J Orrock, Michael Fleischmann, Sandra Grace, Roger Engel, Jon AdamsAbstract:Abstract Objectives To explore the characteristics of the Australian Osteopathy workforce who participate in the management of older patients with musculoskeletal complaints. Design Secondary analysis of a cross-sectional survey of Osteopaths. Setting The Osteopathy Research and Innovation Network (ORION), an Australian practice-based research network. Main outcome measures The demographic, practice and treatment characteristics of Osteopaths who identify as ‘always’or ‘often’ treating patients aged 65 years or over. Results Over half (58%) of total participants (n = 992) indicated often treating older people and this was associated with referral patterns with other health professionals and a non-urban practice location. Osteopaths providing care to older people were more likely to discuss diet/nutrition and medications, and provide pain counselling. Osteopaths who treated older adults were more likely to treat shoulder musculoskeletal disorders, degenerative spine disorders, chronic or persistent pain, and tendinopathies. Conclusions A substantial proportion of Australian Osteopaths treat older adults frequently. The potential value and impact of Osteopathy in managing the health needs of an ageing population warrants close examination from both researchers and policy makers.
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Attitudes, skills and use of evidence-based practice among UK Osteopaths: a national cross-sectional survey
BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders, 2018Co-Authors: Tobias Sundberg, Oliver P. Thomson, Matthew J. Leach, Gary Fryer, Philip Austin, Jon AdamsAbstract:Evidence-based practice (EBP) is a clinical decision-making framework that supports quality improvement in healthcare. While Osteopaths are key providers of musculoskeletal healthcare, the extent to which Osteopaths engage in EBP is unclear. Thus, the aim of this cross-sectional study was to investigate UK Osteopaths’ attitudes, skills and use of EBP, and perceived barriers and facilitators of EBP uptake. UK-registered Osteopaths were invited to complete the Evidence-Based Practice Attitude and Utilisation Survey (EBASE) online. Of the 5200 registered Osteopaths in the UK, 9.9% (517/5200) responded to the invitation, and 7.2% (375/5200) completed the EBASE (
Oliver P. Thomson - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Barriers and facilitators experienced by Osteopaths in implementing a biopsychosocial (BPS) framework of care when managing people with musculoskeletal pain – A mixed methods systematic review protocol
International Journal of Osteopathic Medicine, 2020Co-Authors: Kesava Kovanur Sampath, Ben Darlow, Steve Tumilty, Warwick Shillito, Melissa Hanses, Hemakumar Devan, Oliver P. ThomsonAbstract:Abstract Background Musculoskeletal (MSK) pain conditions not only have a substantial influence on the quality of life. Psychosocial factors such as depression, anxiety and social isolation have been shown to play an important role in the development and management of MSK pain. Therefore, clinical practice guidelines commonly recommend adopting a biopsychosocial (BPS) framework by practitioners managing MSK pain. However, it remains unclear how Osteopaths implement a BPS framework in the management of MSK pain. This protocol describes the objective and methods of a systematic review of barriers and facilitators experienced by Osteopaths in implementing a BPS framework of care when managing people with MSK pain. Methods The following electronic databases from January 2005 to March 2019 will be searched: PubMed, AMED, EMBASE, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro), and SCOPUS. Two independent reviewers will review the title, abstract and full-text article retrieved from the databases to assess potentially eligible studies. Any studies (quantitative, qualitative and mixed methods) that investigated the use or application of the biopsychosocial approach in Osteopathic practice will be included in the review. Data synthesis for qualitative studies will be done using the GRADE‐CERQual tool. Data synthesis methods for mixed method studies will be decided after data extraction and assessment. Discussion This systematic review will provide critical insights into the barriers and facilitators experienced by Osteopaths to implement the BPS framework in their practice. This may be important and timely as a BPS framework has been recommended by various clinical practice guidelines.
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An investigation of Australian Osteopaths’ attitudes, skills and utilisation of evidence-based practice: a national cross-sectional survey
BMC Health Services Research, 2019Co-Authors: Matthew J. Leach, Oliver P. Thomson, Tobias Sundberg, Gary Fryer, Philip Austin, Jon AdamsAbstract:Osteopaths are an integral member of the health care team, playing a pivotal role in the provision of care for patients with musculoskeletal disorders. Osteopaths, like other health care providers, are under increasing pressure to deliver evidence-based health care and to improve patient outcomes. However, the extent to which Osteopaths engage in evidence-based practice (EBP), particularly in Australia, is not well understood. This study therefore set out to investigate the attitudes, skills and use of EBP, and perceived barriers and enablers of EBP uptake, among Osteopaths practicing in Australia. National cross-sectional survey of Australian registered Osteopaths. Eligible participants were invited by email and other digital media recruitment strategies to complete the online Evidence-Based Practice Attitude and Utilisation Survey (EBASE). A total of 332 Osteopaths completed the survey. The demographic characteristics of respondents were generally consistent with the characteristics of the Australian Osteopathy workforce. The respondents were mostly favourable of EBP, with the majority agreeing or strongly agreeing that EBP assists in making decisions about patient care (86.7%) and improves the quality of patient care (75.6%). While most respondents (88.3%) had some training in EBP, most reported a moderate level of perceived skill in EBP. The majority of respondents engaged infrequently (0–5 times) in EBP activities within the last month, and most indicated that a very small or small proportion of their clinical practice was based on clinical research evidence. Leading barriers to the uptake of EBP were lack of time and lack of clinical evidence in Osteopathy. Key enablers of EBP uptake were access to the internet and online databases at work, and access to full-text articles and EBP education materials. Osteopaths participating in the survey were largely supportive of evidence-based practice, yet engaged infrequently in EBP activities. An important next step in this research is to identify suitable strategies that effectively improve EBP uptake in Osteopathy, and perchance, improve patient outcomes.
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Complementing or conflicting? A qualitative study of Osteopaths’ perceptions of NICE low back pain and sciatica guidelines in the UK
International Journal of Osteopathic Medicine, 2019Co-Authors: John Inman, Oliver P. ThomsonAbstract:Abstract Objectives Clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) have been developed to improve standards of healthcare delivery and are associated with better clinical outcomes. In the UK, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) produced guidelines for the treatment of low back pain and sciatica. However, guideline resistant attitudes have been demonstrated by healthcare professionals, including Osteopaths. Methods A qualitative study design was chosen, utilising constructivist grounded theory method as a framework to explore Osteopaths’ perceptions of NICE low back pain and sciatica guidelines in the UK. Seven participants were interviewed, with their interviews transcribed and coded. Results Osteopaths’ perceptions of NICE Low Back Pain and Sciatica guidelines are influenced by their conception of uncertainty in the clinical environment, their views of knowledge, approach to clinical decision-making and their professional identity. Conclusions Osteopaths' views of NICE low back pain and sciatica guidelines are varied. Some of these views of LBP guidelines may act as obstacles to their implementation. Pre- and post- Osteopathy registration educational strategies should aim to facilitate positive attitudes towards the use of clinical guidance abd the utilisation CPGs in clinical practice.
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Attitudes, skills and use of evidence-based practice among UK Osteopaths: a national cross-sectional survey
BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders, 2018Co-Authors: Tobias Sundberg, Oliver P. Thomson, Matthew J. Leach, Gary Fryer, Philip Austin, Jon AdamsAbstract:Evidence-based practice (EBP) is a clinical decision-making framework that supports quality improvement in healthcare. While Osteopaths are key providers of musculoskeletal healthcare, the extent to which Osteopaths engage in EBP is unclear. Thus, the aim of this cross-sectional study was to investigate UK Osteopaths’ attitudes, skills and use of EBP, and perceived barriers and facilitators of EBP uptake. UK-registered Osteopaths were invited to complete the Evidence-Based Practice Attitude and Utilisation Survey (EBASE) online. Of the 5200 registered Osteopaths in the UK, 9.9% (517/5200) responded to the invitation, and 7.2% (375/5200) completed the EBASE (
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sometimes i don t feel like an Osteopath at all a qualitative study of final year Osteopathy students professional identities
International Journal of Osteopathic Medicine, 2017Co-Authors: Holly J Clarkson, Oliver P. ThomsonAbstract:Abstract Background Research suggests that professional identity has implications for standards of professionalism, patient care and work satisfaction. Professional identity develops during professional education and continues into working life. While Osteopaths' professional identities and conceptions of practice have been outlined, the professional identities of Osteopathic students are yet to be elucidated. Objectives To explore and describe final year Osteopathy students' professional identities and their development. Method Semi-structured interviews were conducted with a purposive sample of eight final year Osteopathy students from two Osteopathic education institutions in the UK. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and constructivist grounded theory was used to conceptualise, collect and analyse data. Results Participants' professional identities varied and were illustrated by their thoughts and beliefs around their approach to patients, the Osteopathic profession, learning experience and practice skills. There was also variation in the stages of development of participants' professional identities which lay on a continuum ranging from ‘under construction', ‘transitioning' and ‘constructed'. Conclusions The findings suggest that final year Osteopathy students held differing professional identities, and four categories were constructed which describe this variation, these were: approach to patient care, view of Osteopathy, learning experience and view of practical skills. Students' professional identities varied in their stages of development and related to three points along a profession identity continuum and are in accordance with role transition theory. A well-developed professional identity, which is also flexible in response to new knowledge and evidence, has positive connotations for students' confidence in practice, well-being and career success.
Ann Moore - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Osteopaths' professional views, identities and conceptions – A qualitative grounded theory study
International Journal of Osteopathic Medicine, 2014Co-Authors: Oliver P. Thomson, Nicola J. Petty, Ann MooreAbstract:Abstract Background The professional status of Osteopathy calls for the critical evaluation of the beliefs, knowledge and conceptions which underlie practitioners' clinical practice. Objectives To explore experienced Osteopaths' professional identities, views and overall conceptions of Osteopathy in the UK. Methods This qualitative study employed constructivist grounded theory set in the interpretive research paradigm. The constant comparative method of analysis was used to analyse and code interview data. A total of seventeen semi-structured interviews were conducted with twelve UK registered Osteopaths. Data collection methods involved semi-structured interviews with participants and observation and video-recording of clinical appointments, which were followed by video-prompted reflective interviews. Results There was diversity in how Osteopaths viewed different aspects of their professional practice. Views were constructed into the major categories of: professional identity, traditional Osteopathic theories and principles, health and disease and practice skills. Together these views formed three qualitatively different overall conceptions of Osteopathy, termed: practitioner-centred Osteopathy, collaborative Osteopathy, and Osteopathy as empowerment. Conclusions Osteopaths in this study held differing views, identities and conceptions in relation to their practise of Osteopathy. This diversity in professional identities and conceptions may help to explain the variation of individual Osteopaths' clinical decision-making and clinical approaches, thereby contributing to an epistemology of Osteopathy. These findings may be helpful to educators when planning curricula and clinically tutoring Osteopathy students. Further research is required to explore how these views and conceptions develop and evolve during undergraduate education and on-going professional development.
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a profile of Osteopathic care in private practices in the united kingdom a national pilot using standardised data collection
Manual Therapy, 2014Co-Authors: Carol Fawkes, Carolyn Leach, Shirly Mathias, Ann MooreAbstract:Increasing interest is being shown in Osteopathy on a national and international basis. Since little prospective data had been available concerning the day-to-day practice of the profession, a standardised data collection tool was developed to try and address this issue. The tool development process has been described in an earlier paper. The standardised data collection (SDC) tool underwent national piloting between April and July 2009 in United Kingdom private practices. Osteopaths volunteered to participate and collected data on consecutive new patients or patients presenting with a new symptom episode for a period of one month; follow-up data were collected for a further two months. A total of 1630 completed datasets from the SDC pilot were analysed by the project team. Data generated from the national pilot showed that lumbar symptoms were the most commonly presented in patients (36%), followed by cervical spine (15%), sacroiliac/pelvic/groin (7.9%), head/facial area (7%), shoulder (6.8%), and thoracic spine (6%). A total of 48.8% of patients reported comorbidities, the most common being hypertension (11.7%), followed by asthma (6.6%), and arthritis (5.7%). Outcome data were collected looking at the patients’ response to treatment, and any form of treatment reactions. The profiling information collected using the SDC tool provides a contemporary picture of Osteopathic practice in the United Kingdom.
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Clinical reasoning and therapeutic approaches of experienced Osteopaths
International Journal of Osteopathic Medicine, 2013Co-Authors: Oliver P. Thomson, Nicola J. Petty, Ann MooreAbstract:Abstract Background Clinical reasoning refers to the decision-making processes which occur during practice. Over the last thirty years research in the health sciences has explored the clinical reasoning processes of a number of health professions such as medicine, nursing, occupational therapy and physiotherapy. As the Osteopathic profession continues to grow, Osteopaths are increasingly considered to be important providers of neuromusculoskeletal care. However, there has been minimal research into the clinical reasoning processes and therapeutic approaches used in Osteopathy. The aim of this research was to explore the clinical reasoning processes of Osteopaths in the UK, and to construct an explanatory theory of clinical reasoning in Osteopathy. Methods A total of 12 UK registered Osteopaths participated in this grounded theory study, which was situated in the interpretivist research paradigm. Purposive sampling was used to initially select participants. Subsequent theoretical sampling, which was informed by data analysis, allowed specific participants to be sampled. Data was collected from interviews with 9 participants, which were audio-recorded and transcribed. As the study approached theoretical sufficiency, data collection methods involved non-participant observation and video-recording of 3 further participants during a patient appointment, which was followed by a reflective interview prompted by the video-recording. The constant comparative method was used to code and analyse interview transcripts to construct a substantive theory to explain the therapeutic approaches and clinical reasoning of experienced Osteopaths. Findings Participants took one of three distinct therapeutic approaches, termed; ‘Treater', ‘Communicator' or ‘Educator' which characterised their overarching clinical behaviour. The approaches were developed from participant's conception of practice which was based on the antecedent conditions of their; educational experiences, professional and clinical experiences, personal values and beliefs, views of health and disease and professional identity. The three therapeutic approaches resulted in varying levels of patient involvement in the clinical reasoning process and consequently different therapeutic outcomes. Participant's approach to clinical reasoning ranged from ‘practitioner-led' with a low level of patient involvement; ‘mutual negotiation' with an equal level of patient involvement; or ‘patient-led' with a high patient involvement. The process of diagnosis construction involved participants moving between hypothetico-deductive reasoning and pattern recognition and verification. Participants could adapt their therapeutic approach in response to the patient's preferences, expectations and the patient's ongoing response. The ability to adapt varied between study participants and was influenced by their conception of practice, working context and time factors. Conclusions The findings indicate that Osteopaths have distinct therapeutic approaches to practice which influence the level of patient involvement in the clinical reasoning process. The clinical reasoning of the experienced Osteopaths in this study extended beyond traditional diagnostic reasoning, and suggests that clinical reasoning in Osteopathy is characterised as a continuous and dynamic process during patient interaction. These findings provide an explanatory theory of the therapeutic approaches and clinical reasoning of experienced Osteopaths, which has implications for Osteopathic clinical practice, education and research. Further research is required to determine the transferability of the substantive theory.
Bruce F. Walker - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Chiropractors & Osteopaths Musculo-Skeletal Interest Group (COMSIG): Chiropractic and Osteopathic College of Australasia (COCA). President's Report.
COMSIG review, 1992Co-Authors: Bruce F. WalkerAbstract:The Chiropractors & Osteopaths Musculo-Skeletal Interest Group evolved from regular clinical meetings at Ringwood Clinic, a multi-disciplinary clinic in Melbourne In 1987 the Directors of the clinic Bruce F. Walker D.C. and Alison Hogg MB.BS. (Hons), FRACGP. Decided to invite a range of guest speakers (on musculo-skeletal topics) to give an address every 6 weeks Local practitioners of all persuasions were invited to attend these meetings. Although all groups were represented, by far the greatest interest shown by the chiropractors and Osteopaths In 1989 Peter D. Werth B.App.Sc.(Chiro) joined the team and together with the writer formulated a plan to broaden the list of invited guests to all registered chiropractors and Osteopaths in Melbourne Naturally, this required a larger venue and organisation. After several successful meetings attracting groups of 60 to 70 practitioners we formalised the COMSIG organisation and gained the invaluable assistance of David de l Harpe B.Sc., B.App.Sc.(Chiro), MB.,BS., Shane Carter B.App.Sc.(Chiro) and Simon Clement D.O. on our committee. More recently Shane Carter left for overseas and was ably replaced by Miriam Bourke B.App.Sc.(Chiro) This year COMSIG incorporated under the name of the long established Chiropractic & Osteopathic College of Australasia So, what is COMSIG and what are it’s objectives? COMSIG is a special interest group of the Chiropractic & Osteopathic College of Australasia. More specifically, it is an affiliation of Chiropractors and Osteopaths with interests pertaining to the musculo-skeletal system The objectives for which COMSIG was established are: to promote knowledge of disorders of the musculo-skeletal system. to provide a forum for the interchange of ideas related to such disorders. to educate chiropractors, Osteopaths and other health professionals about the diagnosis and management of such disorders. to encourage the diagnosis and management of musculo-skeletal disorders in a scientific and ethical manner. to conduct, promote, and arrange meetings, seminars, symposia, conferences, and lectures on musculo-skeletal disorders. to foster research into musculo-skeletal disorders. Importantly, COMSIG is not a political organisation but rather an academic organisation arising from the practitioner ranks of the professions We encourage all those with an interest in musculo-skeletal disorders to join COMSIG and participate in its development. An application form is enclosed, or available from the Secretary…
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Chiropractors & Osteopaths Musculo-Skeletal Interest Group (COMSIG): Presidents report
1992Co-Authors: Bruce F. WalkerAbstract:The Chiropractors & Osteopaths Musculo-Skeletal Interest Group evolved from regular clinical meetings at Ringwood Clinic, a multi-disciplinary clinic in Melbourne In 1987 the Directors of the clinic Bruce F. Walker D.C. and Alison Hogg MB.BS. (Hons), FRACGP. Decided to invite a range of guest speakers (on musculo-skeletal topics) to give an address every 6 weeks Local practitioners of all persuasions were invited to attend these meetings. Although all groups were represented, by far the greatest interest shown by the chiropractors and Osteopaths In 1989 Peter D. Werth B.App.Sc.(Chiro) joined the team and together with the writer formulated a plan to broaden the list of invited guests to all registered chiropractors and Osteopaths in Melbourne Naturally, this required a larger venue and organisation. After several successful meetings attracting groups of 60 to 70 practitioners we formalised the COMSIG organisation and gained the invaluable assistance of David de l Harpe B.Sc., B.App.Sc.(Chiro), MB.,BS., Shane Carter B.App.Sc.(Chiro) and Simon Clement D.O. on our committee. More recently Shane Carter left for overseas and was ably replaced by Miriam Bourke B.App.Sc.(Chiro) This year COMSIG incorporated under the name of the long established Chiropractic & Osteopathic College of Australasia So, what is COMSIG and what are it’s objectives? COMSIG is a special interest group of the Chiropractic & Osteopathic College of Australasia. More specifically, it is an affiliation of Chiropractors and Osteopaths with interests pertaining to the musculo-skeletal system The objectives for which COMSIG was established are: a. to promote knowledge of disorders of the musculo-skeletal system. b. to provide a forum for the interchange of ideas related to such disorders. c. to educate chiropractors, Osteopaths and other health professionals about the diagnosis and management of such disorders. d. to encourage the diagnosis and management of musculo-skeletal disorders in a scientific and ethical manner. e. to conduct, promote, and arrange meetings, seminars, symposia, conferences, and lectures on musculo-skeletal disorders. f. to foster research into musculo-skeletal disorders. Importantly, COMSIG is not a political organisation but rather an academic organisation arising from the practitioner ranks of the professions We encourage all those with an interest in musculo-skeletal disorders to join COMSIG and participate in its development. An application form is enclosed, or available from the Secretary… Keywords: Chiropractic, Osteopathy, Australia, education
Amie Steel - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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A study of the factors impacting on workforce distribution of Australian Osteopaths: The perspectives of Osteopathic students, academics and clinicians
International Journal of Osteopathic Medicine, 2020Co-Authors: Amie Steel, Jon Wardle, Tess Dingle, Jon AdamsAbstract:Abstract Objective The study aimed to investigate the major factors influencing Osteopaths' choice of clinical workplace and their experience practising in their geographical location. Methods Semi-structured interviews and focus groups with Australian Osteopathic clinicians, academics and students. Results Factors influencing practice location include personal factors and other external factors (such as financial and business skills, the practice environment, and the features of the destination). Osteopaths practising outside the greater Melbourne area describe their major challenges as the (1) lack of consistency of associates, (2) location of Osteopathy programs, (3) characteristics of new graduates, and (4) expectations and availability of mentoring. Conclusions The unique workforce distribution issues of the Australian Osteopathic profession identifies new perspectives beyond the urban/rural divide commonly explored within health workforce literature to now include drivers, facilitators and barriers to relocation between urban centres.
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Introducing national Osteopathy practice-based research networks in Australia and New Zealand: an overview to inform future Osteopathic research.
Scientific Reports, 2020Co-Authors: Amie Steel, David Sibbritt, Wenbo Peng, Jon AdamsAbstract:Both the Osteopathic Research Innovation Network (ORION) and the Osteopathy Research Connect-New Zealand (ORC-NZ) are practice-based research networks (PBRNs) recently established in Australia and New Zealand. This paper highlights the profile of the Osteopaths participating in each PBRN in order to encourage and facilitate further related research in Osteopathy. All registered Osteopaths in Australia and New Zealand were invited to participate in the ORION and ORC-NZ PBRNs, respectively. This paper presents practice and sociodemographic characteristics of the Osteopaths that elected to join the PBRN in their country. A total of 253 registered Osteopaths in New Zealand (48.7%) agreed to join ORC-NZ while 992 registered Osteopaths in Australia (44.5%) joined ORION. Membership of both PBRNs reflect national geographical spread, and diverse personal and practice characteristics. Combined membership of both PBRNs represents 45.3% of all registered Osteopaths in Australasia and 7.7% of the global Osteopathic profession. The PBRNs, independently and in combination, hold much potential to advance the evidence-base and capacity of Osteopathy research. Both ORION and ORC-NZ PBRNs are powerful, innovative resources available to other interested parties to help conduct further Osteopathy research in Australia and New Zealand.
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Prevalence and profile of Australian Osteopaths treating older people
Complementary Therapies in Medicine, 2019Co-Authors: Amie Steel, David Sibbritt, Wenbo Peng, Brett Vaughan, Paul J Orrock, Michael Fleischmann, Sandra Grace, Roger Engel, Jon AdamsAbstract:Abstract Objectives To explore the characteristics of the Australian Osteopathy workforce who participate in the management of older patients with musculoskeletal complaints. Design Secondary analysis of a cross-sectional survey of Osteopaths. Setting The Osteopathy Research and Innovation Network (ORION), an Australian practice-based research network. Main outcome measures The demographic, practice and treatment characteristics of Osteopaths who identify as ‘always’or ‘often’ treating patients aged 65 years or over. Results Over half (58%) of total participants (n = 992) indicated often treating older people and this was associated with referral patterns with other health professionals and a non-urban practice location. Osteopaths providing care to older people were more likely to discuss diet/nutrition and medications, and provide pain counselling. Osteopaths who treated older adults were more likely to treat shoulder musculoskeletal disorders, degenerative spine disorders, chronic or persistent pain, and tendinopathies. Conclusions A substantial proportion of Australian Osteopaths treat older adults frequently. The potential value and impact of Osteopathy in managing the health needs of an ageing population warrants close examination from both researchers and policy makers.
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Challenges and opportunities for Australian Osteopathy: A qualitative study of the perceptions of registered Osteopaths
International Journal of Osteopathic Medicine, 2018Co-Authors: Raymond Blaich, Amie Steel, D. Clark, Jon AdamsAbstract:Abstract Background The professional landscape of Osteopathy in Australia has evolved substantially over recent years including changes in research, education and integration within the wider healthcare system. The challenges and opportunities experienced by members of the Australian Osteopathic profession warrant closer examination. Objective Explore the perceptions of registered practising Osteopaths in Australia regarding challenges and opportunities for the profession. Design and setting The study employed a qualitative inductive design and approach through which three focus groups of registered practicing Osteopaths were convened across three Australian locations. Methods The data were collected through semi-structured thematic guides. Data were analysed from transcripts using framework analysis. Participants Registered Osteopaths (n = 17) participated in the focus group representing a range of gender, age, education, and years of practice amongst participants. Results Thematic descriptive analysis of the Osteopaths' accounts identified different perspectives about whether the Osteopathic profession was moving in the optimal direction. These included a question about whether Osteopaths were best placed as generalists or specialists; the importance of quality education and relevant, rigorous research as pillars for the sustainability of Osteopathy; a need for clarity about the place of Osteopathy in the healthcare system; and the need to increase public awareness about Osteopathy. Conclusion This study highlights a number of these challenges and in doing so, provides an opportunity for stakeholders to find appropriate solutions to support the advancement of the profession. To this end there needs to be more effective communication/liaison between the Osteopathic profession and education providers, regulators, Government departments, and other healthcare professionals.
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Impact of the workforce distribution on the viability of the Osteopathic profession in Australia: results from a national survey of registered Osteopaths.
Chiropractic & Manual Therapies, 2018Co-Authors: Amie Steel, Raymond Blaich, Nigel Jackson, Mathew Kirk, Jon WardleAbstract:Workforce distribution has an important influence on the quality of healthcare delivered in a region, primarily because it impacts access to health services in the community and overall health equity in the population. Distribution of Osteopaths in Australia does not appear to follow the Australian population with the majority of Osteopaths located in Victoria. The implications of this imbalance on the Osteopathic workforce have not yet been explored. A secondary analysis of data from a survey of 1531 members of Osteopathy Australia in 2013. The analysis focused on the practice and occupational characteristics associated with practice locality. The survey was completed by a representative sample of 432 Osteopaths. Respondents practicing outside Victoria were more likely to report higher income across all income brackets, and were less likely to report a preference for more patients. The Australian Osteopathic profession should examine the issue of imbalanced workforce distribution as a priority. The results of this study are worth considering for all stakeholders as part of a coordinated approach to ensure the ongoing health of the Australian Osteopathic workforce.
