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Brett Vaughan - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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if you don t use or understand visceral Osteopathy you re not a real osteopath professional identity in australian Osteopathy through the lens of a single traditional technique
Explore-the Journal of Science and Healing, 2020Co-Authors: Sandra Grace, Michael Fleischmann, Brett VaughanAbstract:Abstract Background/Context Manual therapists utilise a range of techniques in the clinical practice to manage predominantly musculoskeletal complaints. There are, however, a number of practitioners who utilise techniques that are directed towards the bodies’ visceral structures. Osteopaths are one such professional group that utilise these techniques in their practice. Like many health professions, the identity of the Osteopathy profession is evolving, and the techniques osteopaths use form part of this identity. Objective Explore free text responses to a questionnaire about the use of techniques directed towards the viscera. Methods/Design Australian osteopaths who were part of a practice-based research network, were invited to complete a survey about their use of techniques applied to the viscera. Participants were also invited to provide free-text responses to a number of items related to the use of these techniques. Free-text responses were thematically analysed. Participants 137 participants completed the survey. Results Three themes were identified: being an osteopath; applying visceral techniques in practice - evidence conflicts with practice; and, inadequate education in visceral techniques. Conclusions Participant responses resonated with the internal (own world views, beliefs) and external (external perceptions of the profession, education) influences that underpin the theory of a professions’ identity. Our work demonstrates that the Australian Osteopathy profession exhibits an identity similar to other manual therapies - the profession is somewhat fragmented in its views about its practice. Additional research is required to explore whether other manual therapy techniques used by osteopaths elicit similar responses and how those external to the profession perceive it.
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Determinants of health, health behaviours and demographic profile of patients attending an Australian university student-led Osteopathy clinic
Chiropractic & Manual Therapies, 2020Co-Authors: Brett Vaughan, Michael Fleischmann, Kylie Fitzgerald, Jane MulcahyAbstract:Background Profiles of health professions practice can inform pre-professional education, provide evidence to assist with interprofessional practice, and inform policy development. An understanding of the profile of patients seeking Osteopathy care is emerging. Current research suggests that musculoskeletal presentations predominate with approximately one-third of patients presenting with co-morbid diseases. There is little data on these presentations in Australian Osteopathy practice. This study aimed to describe the patient demographics, clinical presentations, health behaviours and determinants of health, including health literacy, of those attending for care at an Australian student-led Osteopathy clinic. Methods A convenience sample design was utilised where consecutive patients presenting for their initial consultation were invited to complete a health information questionnaire during 2016–2017. The questionnaire explored a range of health behaviours and the patient’s health status. Data from the clinical records were also extracted to establish the presenting complaint, duration of the complaint and pertinent demographics. Descriptive statistics were generated for each variable. Results Data were available for 1617 patients presenting for their initial consultation. The mean age of patients was 33.7 (±13.1) years with 55% ( n = 887) identifying as female. Acute presentations predominated ( n = 840, 52%), with presentations affecting the spine being the most common (57.8%). Most patients rated their health status as good to very good (75%). Approximately 7.5% of patients were identified as having low health literacy and 55.9% were currently suffering from one or more co-morbid presentations. Conclusions The demographic profile and presenting complaints of patients presenting to a student-led Osteopathy clinic are largely consistent with other Australian private practice profiles. The current work also identified co-morbid presentations, and positive and negative health behaviours. Osteopaths may play a role in the management of, or referral for, these presentations where health behaviours require change, or management of co-morbid conditions is beyond the scope of practice. The increasing volume of patient profile literature globally suggests that osteopaths can play a substantial role in the management of musculoskeletal complaints. Further, Osteopathy may play a role in screening determinants of health, and engage in multidisciplinary care to ensure those patients with co-morbid conditions or adverse health behaviours are managed appropriately.
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determinants of health health behaviours and demographic profile of patients attending an australian university student led Osteopathy clinic
Chiropractic & Manual Therapies, 2020Co-Authors: Brett Vaughan, Michael Fleischmann, Kylie Fitzgerald, Jane MulcahyAbstract:Profiles of health professions practice can inform pre-professional education, provide evidence to assist with interprofessional practice, and inform policy development. An understanding of the profile of patients seeking Osteopathy care is emerging. Current research suggests that musculoskeletal presentations predominate with approximately one-third of patients presenting with co-morbid diseases. There is little data on these presentations in Australian Osteopathy practice. This study aimed to describe the patient demographics, clinical presentations, health behaviours and determinants of health, including health literacy, of those attending for care at an Australian student-led Osteopathy clinic. A convenience sample design was utilised where consecutive patients presenting for their initial consultation were invited to complete a health information questionnaire during 2016–2017. The questionnaire explored a range of health behaviours and the patient’s health status. Data from the clinical records were also extracted to establish the presenting complaint, duration of the complaint and pertinent demographics. Descriptive statistics were generated for each variable. Data were available for 1617 patients presenting for their initial consultation. The mean age of patients was 33.7 (±13.1) years with 55% (n = 887) identifying as female. Acute presentations predominated (n = 840, 52%), with presentations affecting the spine being the most common (57.8%). Most patients rated their health status as good to very good (75%). Approximately 7.5% of patients were identified as having low health literacy and 55.9% were currently suffering from one or more co-morbid presentations. The demographic profile and presenting complaints of patients presenting to a student-led Osteopathy clinic are largely consistent with other Australian private practice profiles. The current work also identified co-morbid presentations, and positive and negative health behaviours. Osteopaths may play a role in the management of, or referral for, these presentations where health behaviours require change, or management of co-morbid conditions is beyond the scope of practice. The increasing volume of patient profile literature globally suggests that osteopaths can play a substantial role in the management of musculoskeletal complaints. Further, Osteopathy may play a role in screening determinants of health, and engage in multidisciplinary care to ensure those patients with co-morbid conditions or adverse health behaviours are managed appropriately.
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Prevalence and profile of Australian osteopaths treating older people
Complementary Therapies in Medicine, 2019Co-Authors: Amie Steel, Paul J Orrock, Michael Fleischmann, Sandra Grace, Brett Vaughan, Roger Engel, Wenbo Peng, David Sibbritt, 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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Understanding clinical reasoning in Osteopathy: a qualitative research approach
Chiropractic & Manual Therapies, 2016Co-Authors: Sandra Grace, Paul J Orrock, Raymond Blaich, Brett Vaughan, Rosanne CouttsAbstract:Background Clinical reasoning has been described as a process that draws heavily on the knowledge, skills and attributes that are particular to each health profession. However, the clinical reasoning processes of practitioners of different disciplines demonstrate many similarities, including hypothesis generation and reflective practice. The aim of this study was to understand clinical reasoning in Osteopathy from the perspective of osteopathic clinical educators and the extent to which it was similar or different from clinical reasoning in other health professions. Methods This study was informed by constructivist grounded theory. Participants were clinical educators in osteopathic teaching institutions in Australia, New Zealand and the UK. Focus groups and written critical reflections provided a rich data set. Data were analysed using constant comparison to develop inductive categories. Results According to participants, clinical reasoning in Osteopathy is different from clinical reasoning in other health professions. Osteopaths use a two-phase approach: an initial biomedical screen for serious pathology, followed by use of osteopathic reasoning models that are based on the relationship between structure and function in the human body. Clinical reasoning in Osteopathy was also described as occurring in a number of contexts (e.g. patient, practitioner and community) and drawing on a range of metaskills (e.g. hypothesis generation and reflexivity) that have been described in other health professions. Conclusions The use of diagnostic reasoning models that are based on the relationship between structure and function in the human body differentiated clinical reasoning in Osteopathy. These models were not used to name a medical condition but rather to guide the selection of treatment approaches. If confirmed by further research that clinical reasoning in Osteopathy is distinct from clinical reasoning in other health professions, then osteopaths may have a unique perspective to bring to multidisciplinary decision-making and potentially enhance the quality of patient care. Where commonalities exist in the clinical reasoning processes of Osteopathy and other health professions, shared learning opportunities may be available, including the exchange of scaffolded clinical reasoning exercises and assessment practices among health disciplines.
Jane Mulcahy - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Determinants of health, health behaviours and demographic profile of patients attending an Australian university student-led Osteopathy clinic
Chiropractic & Manual Therapies, 2020Co-Authors: Brett Vaughan, Michael Fleischmann, Kylie Fitzgerald, Jane MulcahyAbstract:Background Profiles of health professions practice can inform pre-professional education, provide evidence to assist with interprofessional practice, and inform policy development. An understanding of the profile of patients seeking Osteopathy care is emerging. Current research suggests that musculoskeletal presentations predominate with approximately one-third of patients presenting with co-morbid diseases. There is little data on these presentations in Australian Osteopathy practice. This study aimed to describe the patient demographics, clinical presentations, health behaviours and determinants of health, including health literacy, of those attending for care at an Australian student-led Osteopathy clinic. Methods A convenience sample design was utilised where consecutive patients presenting for their initial consultation were invited to complete a health information questionnaire during 2016–2017. The questionnaire explored a range of health behaviours and the patient’s health status. Data from the clinical records were also extracted to establish the presenting complaint, duration of the complaint and pertinent demographics. Descriptive statistics were generated for each variable. Results Data were available for 1617 patients presenting for their initial consultation. The mean age of patients was 33.7 (±13.1) years with 55% ( n = 887) identifying as female. Acute presentations predominated ( n = 840, 52%), with presentations affecting the spine being the most common (57.8%). Most patients rated their health status as good to very good (75%). Approximately 7.5% of patients were identified as having low health literacy and 55.9% were currently suffering from one or more co-morbid presentations. Conclusions The demographic profile and presenting complaints of patients presenting to a student-led Osteopathy clinic are largely consistent with other Australian private practice profiles. The current work also identified co-morbid presentations, and positive and negative health behaviours. Osteopaths may play a role in the management of, or referral for, these presentations where health behaviours require change, or management of co-morbid conditions is beyond the scope of practice. The increasing volume of patient profile literature globally suggests that osteopaths can play a substantial role in the management of musculoskeletal complaints. Further, Osteopathy may play a role in screening determinants of health, and engage in multidisciplinary care to ensure those patients with co-morbid conditions or adverse health behaviours are managed appropriately.
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determinants of health health behaviours and demographic profile of patients attending an australian university student led Osteopathy clinic
Chiropractic & Manual Therapies, 2020Co-Authors: Brett Vaughan, Michael Fleischmann, Kylie Fitzgerald, Jane MulcahyAbstract:Profiles of health professions practice can inform pre-professional education, provide evidence to assist with interprofessional practice, and inform policy development. An understanding of the profile of patients seeking Osteopathy care is emerging. Current research suggests that musculoskeletal presentations predominate with approximately one-third of patients presenting with co-morbid diseases. There is little data on these presentations in Australian Osteopathy practice. This study aimed to describe the patient demographics, clinical presentations, health behaviours and determinants of health, including health literacy, of those attending for care at an Australian student-led Osteopathy clinic. A convenience sample design was utilised where consecutive patients presenting for their initial consultation were invited to complete a health information questionnaire during 2016–2017. The questionnaire explored a range of health behaviours and the patient’s health status. Data from the clinical records were also extracted to establish the presenting complaint, duration of the complaint and pertinent demographics. Descriptive statistics were generated for each variable. Data were available for 1617 patients presenting for their initial consultation. The mean age of patients was 33.7 (±13.1) years with 55% (n = 887) identifying as female. Acute presentations predominated (n = 840, 52%), with presentations affecting the spine being the most common (57.8%). Most patients rated their health status as good to very good (75%). Approximately 7.5% of patients were identified as having low health literacy and 55.9% were currently suffering from one or more co-morbid presentations. The demographic profile and presenting complaints of patients presenting to a student-led Osteopathy clinic are largely consistent with other Australian private practice profiles. The current work also identified co-morbid presentations, and positive and negative health behaviours. Osteopaths may play a role in the management of, or referral for, these presentations where health behaviours require change, or management of co-morbid conditions is beyond the scope of practice. The increasing volume of patient profile literature globally suggests that osteopaths can play a substantial role in the management of musculoskeletal complaints. Further, Osteopathy may play a role in screening determinants of health, and engage in multidisciplinary care to ensure those patients with co-morbid conditions or adverse health behaviours are managed appropriately.
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item development for a questionnaire investigating patient self reported perception satisfaction and outcomes of a single Osteopathy in the cranial field ocf treatment
International Journal of Osteopathic Medicine, 2013Co-Authors: Jane Mulcahy, Brett Vaughan, Jane Boadle, Dana Klas, Christopher Rickson, Lauren WoodmanAbstract:Abstract Background Osteopathy in the Cranial Field (OCF) is a treatment approach used by osteopaths in the management of a wide variety of complaints. OCF is based on the premise that the bones of the skull are mobile and that changes in the flow of cerebrospinal fluid can affect the function of the body. There are only a few studies assessing the effectiveness of OCF and there is no published research investigating patients' perception of what happens during and post an OCF treatment. Objective To develop items for a patient self-reported questionnaire that assesses patients' own perceptions of one OCF treatment. Design Systematic literature search, item development and face validity testing. Methods A systematic search of the literature was undertaken to identify a measure or measures that may be suitable to assess patient perceptions of OCF. No measure of patient perception of OCF was located. Measures of patient ratings of satisfaction, efficacy and outcomes of physical therapy treatment were located and reviewed. From these published measures, items that were appropriate for a measure of OCF were identified and considered as possible items to include in a new measure of patient perception of OCF. Items were developed and face validity was investigated. Participants Six osteopaths who were familiar with or use OCF as part of their treatment approach, 2 patients who had previously been treated by osteopaths who used OCF exclusively, and 2 patients who had not previously received any OCF treatment as part of their osteopathic treatment. Results A systematic literature search was conducted. Appropriate items were extracted from 7 articles in the ‘Osteopathy' search and 4 additional articles from the ‘manual therapy' search. Items were reworded, where appropriate, to ensure they reflected the OCF approach. Consideration of face validity identified a number of changes that were required to some of the items. Conclusions The Patient Perception Measure of Osteopathy in the Cranial Field (PPM-OCF) was developed to assess patient perceptions of the OCF treatment approach. Six domains of patient perception of treatment were identified and 37 items were developed within these 6 domains. Further psychometric testing of the PPM-OCF is required prior to its application in the clinical and research settings.
Jon Adams - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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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, Wenbo Peng, David Sibbritt, 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, Philip Austin, Gary Fryer, Tobias Sundberg, Oliver P. Thomson, 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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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, Philip Austin, Gary Fryer, Tobias Sundberg, Oliver P. Thomson, Jon AdamsAbstract:Background 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. Methods 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). Results 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. Conclusions 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, Paul J Orrock, Michael Fleischmann, Sandra Grace, Brett Vaughan, Roger Engel, Wenbo Peng, David Sibbritt, 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, D. Clark, Amie Steel, 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.
Dawn Carnes - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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the role of Osteopathy in the swiss primary health care system a practice review
BMJ Open, 2018Co-Authors: Paul Vaucher, Roy J.d. Macdonald, Dawn CarnesAbstract:Objectives The aim of this study was to describe osteopathic activity and scope of practice to understand the current and future role of Osteopathy in the Swiss healthcare system. Design A questionnaire survey that included a patient record-based retrospective clinical audit. Setting/population Osteopaths with a national diploma (n=1086) were invited by mail to participate in an online survey. Osteopathic assistants (n=84) were identified through their national association. Questionnaire The survey was constructed from previous surveys and tested for face validity with experts, osteopaths and patient representatives. The questionnaires were completed online in English, German and French between April and August 2017. Osteopaths anonymously reported information about themselves, their practice, and the treatment and care for four randomly selected patients they managed in 2016. Results The response rate from the survey was 44.5% (521/1171). Data on osteopathic care were collected for 1144 patients and 3449 consultations. In 2016, osteopaths saw approximately 6.8% of the Swiss population for 1700 000 consultations and an overall estimated cost of 200 million Swiss francs. 76% of patients sought care directly without a referral from another care provider. Few osteopaths ( Conclusions In Switzerland, osteopathic care represents an important first line management for musculoskeletal conditions that alleviates some of the burden of care in the Swiss primary healthcare system.
Amie Steel - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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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, Wenbo Peng, David Sibbritt, 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, Paul J Orrock, Michael Fleischmann, Sandra Grace, Brett Vaughan, Roger Engel, Wenbo Peng, David Sibbritt, 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, D. Clark, Amie Steel, 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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The perceptions and experiences of osteopathic treatment among cancer patients in palliative care: a qualitative study
Supportive Care in Cancer, 2018Co-Authors: Amie Steel, Colombe Tricou, Thomas Monsarrat, Murielle Ruer, Cécile Deslandes, Corinne Sisoix, Marilène FilbetAbstract:Purpose This research aimed to explore the perceptions and experiences of cancer patients receiving osteopathic treatment as a complementary therapy when it is used in addition to conventional treatment for cancer pain. Methods This qualitative study employed semi structured interviews of cancer patients in a palliative care unit in Lyon, France, who received treatment from an osteopath alongside their conventional cancer treatment. We analysed data using grounded theory and qualitative methods. Results We interviewed 16 patients. The themes identified through the analysis included a low awareness of Osteopathy among the population and an accompanying high level of misconceptions. The benefits of Osteopathy were described as more than just the manual treatments with participants valuing Osteopathy as a holistic, meditative, and non-pharmaceutical approach. Participants also described the osteopathic treatments as assisting with a range of cancer-related health complaints such as pain, fatigue, and sleep problems. Offering osteopathic treatment at an accessible location at low or no cost were identified by participants as enablers to the continued use of Osteopathy. Conclusions The findings of this study provides preliminary data which suggests, when delivered alongside existing medical care, Osteopathy may have health benefits for patients with complex conditions such as cancer.
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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, Nigel Jackson, Mathew Kirk, Raymond Blaich, 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.
