Challenges and opportunities for Australian osteopathy: A qualitative study of the perceptions of registered osteopaths

Blaich, R; Steel, A; Clark, D; Adams, J

Challenges and opportunities for Australian osteopathy: A qualitative study of the perceptions of registered osteopaths

Blaich, R Steel, A

Clark, D Adams, J

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Publication Type:: Journal Article
Citation:: International Journal of Osteopathic Medicine, 2018, 30 pp. 18 - 24
Issue Date:: 2018-12-01

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Field	Value	Language
dc.contributor.author	Blaich, R	en_US
dc.contributor.author	Steel, A https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6643-9444	en_US
dc.contributor.author	Clark, D	en_US
dc.contributor.author	Adams, J https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9901-5717	en_US
dc.date.issued	2018-12-01	en_US
dc.identifier.citation	International Journal of Osteopathic Medicine, 2018, 30 pp. 18 - 24	en_US
dc.identifier.issn	1746-0689	en_US
dc.identifier.uri	http://hdl.handle.net/10453/129023
dc.description.abstract	© 2018 Elsevier Ltd 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.	en_US
dc.relation.ispartof	International Journal of Osteopathic Medicine	en_US
dc.relation.isbasedon	10.1016/j.ijosm.2018.10.004	en_US
dc.subject.classification	Orthopedics	en_US
dc.title	Challenges and opportunities for Australian osteopathy: A qualitative study of the perceptions of registered osteopaths	en_US
dc.type	Journal Article
utslib.citation.volume	30	en_US
utslib.for	1104 Complementary and Alternative Medicine	en_US
pubs.embargo.period	Not known	en_US
pubs.organisational-group	/University of Technology Sydney
pubs.organisational-group	/University of Technology Sydney/Faculty of Health
pubs.organisational-group	/University of Technology Sydney/Strength - CHSP - Health Services and Practice
utslib.copyright.status	closed_access
pubs.publication-status	Published	en_US
pubs.volume	30	en_US

Abstract:

© 2018 Elsevier Ltd 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.

Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item:

http://hdl.handle.net/10453/129023