What motivates osteopaths to pursue research in their professional field? An exploratory qualitative study
Item
- Title
- What motivates osteopaths to pursue research in their professional field? An exploratory qualitative study
- Author(s)
- Gilna-Duffy, A
- Abstract
- Aims To critically analyse the motivations that generate an active interest in osteopathic research. Design and Methodology 6 osteopaths involved in research were interviewed using a semi structured interview approach. Thematic analysis was chosen to analyse the resultant data. TAMS Analyzer software was used to generate codes of the data, which were then grouped into subthemes and themes.Results Seven main themes emerged as motivating factors. These encompassed the participants previous experience in research, teaching, becoming bored in practice leading to a need to enhance their understanding and increase their knowledge, potential for development within osteopathic research, culminating in their enjoyment of the research process. Discussion Teaching was found to be an overriding linking theme and factor in the close association between educational institutions and research facilities. As in academic research, Individual intrinsic motivations, such as an interest in the subject and enjoyment of the process, were a greater driving force than extrinsic motivations to pursue research in their professional field. There is a desire for scientific evidence to cement the role of the primary healthcare practitioner thus establishing a professional identity, as it appears that there is a lack of coherence within the osteopathic community with the integration of Evidence-Based Medicine.Conclusion Motivations are varied and unique. Self-actualization, which is a development of the individual once all base needs are met, is seen here in cognitive pursuits such as research. Interest in the subject matter and enjoyment of the investigative process are important for sustaining nvolvement.Further Research Emergent points of interest such as how to increase the number of osteopaths involved in research and the understanding of the research process including the allocation of funds with regard to possible bias is worthy of investigation. The addition of a questionnaire based survey to osteopaths not involved in research investigating their attitudes to EBM and questioning what would attract them to become involved in research would add validity to this research
- presented at
- European School of Osteopathy
- Date Accepted
- 2012
- Date Submitted
- 22.1.2013 16:23:35
- Type
- osteo_thesis
- Language
- English
- Submitted by:
- 62
- Pub-Identifier
- 15219
- Inst-Identifier
- 1229
- Keywords
- Osteopaths, Professionalism, Research Activity, Motivation.
- Recommended
- 0
- Item sets
- Thesis
Gilna-Duffy, A, “What motivates osteopaths to pursue research in their professional field? An exploratory qualitative study”, Osteopathic Research Web, accessed May 5, 2025, https://www.osteopathicresearch.org/s/orw/item/846