What are osteopathic principles? A survey of osteopaths
Item
- Title
- What are osteopathic principles? A survey of osteopaths
- Author(s)
- Lambert-Gorwyn Christopher D
- Abstract
-
AbstractIntroduction
With its continuing rise in profile, osteopathy in the UK is a rapidly expanding profession. As it enters the final rounds of discussion about CPD, questions regarding the scope and philosophy of osteopathic practice are increasingly important. In the US, where osteopaths have different status, there has long been an identified need to re-emphasise traditional osteopathic principles and practices. The situation in the UK is less clear, suggesting an absence of research regarding current osteopathic principles or even a current definition of the profession.
Methodology
The survey investigated differences in how osteopathic principles are perceived amongst:
• Osteopaths with and without experience of teaching in institutes of osteopathic education Osteopaths of different graduation origins Osteopaths of different graduation dates Osteopaths of different gender.
Fifteen statements were developed into a questionnaire that incorporated different concepts and principles from the osteopathic profession. This was distributed to two hundred and ten osteopaths via post, sixty of whom were contacted through the osteopathic educational institution that they worked for. The osteopaths were invited to express an opinion to each of the statements within the questionnaire. Each statement pertained to an osteopathic principle; however, adapted slightly in most instances so as to provoke extended thought before final response was given..
Results
There was no evidence to reject the null-hypothesis (P>0.05) that no difference in perception exists between osteopaths with and without experience of employment in osteopathic educational institutions. The comparisons suggested in the aims produced no significant difference of results in any of the groups investigated (P>0.05). The individual statements generally demonstrated a significant variation in response (PO.05) with all the underlying principles supported to a varying degree.
Discussion
The questionnaire produced considerable variance of opinions, with some principles producing near total support; thereby, indicating key tenets of modern osteopathy. However, the remaining principles produced uncertainty regarding their importance to the profession. The implication of this survey is that osteopaths appear hesitant to expand on the principles laid down by A.T. Still whilst still trying to adapt to the current healthcare environment. This has produced conflict in establishing a definition and direction for osteopathy in the UK. '
Conclusion
Although surrounded by uncertainty, osteopathy still has a solid base of principles from which to progress. The osteopathic profession now needs to build on this base so as to satisfy the need for greater understanding of the osteopathic profession amongst patients, the allopathic medical community, and osteopaths alike. - presented at
- British College of Osteopathic Medicine
- Date Accepted
- 0
- Date Submitted
- 1.1.1970 00:00:00
- Type
- osteo_thesis
- Language
- English
- Submitted by:
- 62
- Pub-Identifier
- 13590
- Inst-Identifier
- 1076
- Recommended
- 0
- Item sets
- Thesis
Lambert-Gorwyn Christopher D, “What are osteopathic principles? A survey of osteopaths”, Osteopathic Research Web, accessed May 5, 2025, https://www.osteopathicresearch.org/s/orw/item/1167