Profile of members of the Australian Osteopathic Association: Part 1 – The practitioners

Abstract 

Objectives

The Research Council of the Australian Osteopathic Association (AOA) identified the need to gather data about the members of the Association as well as ‘who’ and ‘what’ they treat in order to guide strategic planning in research.

Methods

A census of two parts was sent to members of the AOA (n=656). Part 1 focussed on the practitioners and part 2 on the patients. Surveys of specific groups in the osteopathic profession in New Zealand and the United Kingdom as well as earlier Australian surveys were obtained for comparative and temporal analysis.

Results

The response rate was 52% of the sample population. The gender was split evenly, and the majority practice was a 32–40h working week in one (59%) or two (33.8%) locations. They consult an estimated average of 40 patients a week (25% are new patients).

In their diagnostic practice, physical examination was considered mostly in the orthopaedic and neurological systems, with a limited consideration of other systems. Referrals for diagnostic investigation were mostly for plain-film radiology. The estimated use of therapeutic modalities had soft tissue, muscle energy, non-high velocity articulation/mobilisation and high velocity manipulation consistently used, with a broad spread of others. Nutritional supplements, exercise and diet/lifestyle changes were all prescribed. Questions about inter-professional relationships revealed that practitioners refer to GPs 68.5% “occasionally” and 19.2% “frequently”, masseurs 48.2% “occasionally” and 19.3% “frequently”, naturopaths/herbalists 43.4% “occasionally” and 12.0% “frequently”, and podiatrists 47.5% “occasionally” and 9.8% “frequently”. Referrals were almost exclusively from other patients (96.1% frequently), whilst it was estimated by the respondents that GPs refer occasionally (47.9%) or frequently (17.4%).

The sample placed importance on, and attended, continuing education activities, and reported that the most important professional issues were the public and health practitioners' perception/ignorance of osteopathy followed by the need for evidence into the efficacy of osteopathic management.

Conclusions

Part 1 of the survey of a sample of the members of the AOA revealed details of their qualifications and commitment to continuing education. The characteristics of respondents' practice within a multidisciplinary network, and the utilisation of the diagnostic skills of primary care were revealed. The importance of certain issues facing the Australian osteopathic profession were identified.

Keywords: Osteopathy, Osteopathic medicine, Professional survey