International Journal of Osteopathic Medicine最新文献

{"title":"Lessons learned from the digital transformation of physiotherapy education: A phenomenological study","authors":"Laura Eccott ,&nbsp;Andrea Moulson ,&nbsp;Karen Atkinson ,&nbsp;Salvatore Livatino ,&nbsp;Jeremy Lewis ,&nbsp;Mindy Cairns","doi":"10.1016/j.ijosm.2025.100759","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijosm.2025.100759","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div>The Covid-19 pandemic changed education globally with a rapid reduction of in-person learning and increase in e-learning. This was challenging for students with themes of poorer motivation, reduced engagement, and difficulty translating knowledge into practical skills. Although Covid-19 restrictions have been removed in the UK, increased e-learning is likely to be permanently integrated in healthcare programmes by most UK universities. Therefore, programmes need to evaluate their e-learning to learn lessons for the future. This study aimed to understand physiotherapy students’ experiences of e-learning and what, if any, specific topics were more challenging and why they felt this was the case to identify how e-learning can be developed to meet their needs.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A descriptive phenomenological methodology and purposive sampling of physiotherapy students at a UK university was used. Two semi-structured focus groups were conducted, data was analysed using reflexive thematic analysis.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Four themes were constructed which were: connected but disconnected; collaborative disengagement; practicality for professional identity; and disembodiment with anatomy.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>For vocational healthcare courses with substantial practical skill development required to meet regulatory standards, the balance of online and in-person learning will continue to be a challenge. The changes to education delivery which occurred because of the Covid-19 pandemic have provided educators with an opportunity to reflect on the challenges facing both students and the profession itself in this increasingly online world. Recommendations from this study include integrating online communication skills within the curriculum, prioritising digital skills, and embracing emerging immersive technologies to enhance anatomy learning.</div></div><div><h3>Implications for educational practice</h3><div><ul><li><span>•</span><span><div>The balance of online and in-person learning for professional healthcare programmes is challenging</div></span></li><li><span>•</span><span><div>Curriculums should include development of online communication skills to support students learning experience in the online classroom and to develop the skills required for the future workplace</div></span></li><li><span>•</span><span><div>Digital skill development should be integrated into programmes to reflect the changing professional climate of healthcare</div></span></li><li><span>•</span><span><div>MSK programmes using online anatomy learning needs to include embodied experiences with sensory-motor activities to support deep learning of the topic, digital tools such as iVR may be appropriate to support this</div></span></li></ul></div></div>","PeriodicalId":51068,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Osteopathic Medicine","volume":"56 ","pages":"Article 100759"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2025-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143891025","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Shaft femoral fracture secondary to osteopathic manipulation: Case report and medico-legal implication","authors":"Luca Bianco Prevot ,&nbsp;Vittorio Bolcato ,&nbsp;Stefania Fozzato ,&nbsp;Livio Pietro Tronconi ,&nbsp;Giuseppe Basile","doi":"10.1016/j.ijosm.2025.100746","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijosm.2025.100746","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>People increasingly look for osteopathic practitioners due to musculoskeletal conditions, particularly for low back pain. Serious complications such as femur fractures are rare, and often depend on bone fragility due to osteoporosis or neoplastic involvement.</div></div><div><h3>Case report</h3><div>We present a 43-year-old woman who suffered a femur fracture following osteopath manipulation at the lumbar and right thigh for low back pain of recent onset. The osteopath did not document informed consent disclosure and personal clinical history collection. After hospitalisation, the patient underwent synthesis with femoral nailing. Further investigations found secondary pelvic and spinal bones lesions of a breast cancer, 12 years after the treatment and out of follow-up.</div></div><div><h3>Discussion</h3><div>In Italy, the osteopath is a health professional aimed at maintaining well-being through external manipulation. The osteopath must then document in writting the informative process concerning the osteopathic method and the related risks, as well as the subject's consent. Meanwhile, a preliminary pathological history collection and objective examination must be performed to exclude pathological conditions, otherwise to be referred to a physician for further assessment and management.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>The osteopath, who usually works as a self-insured free-lance professional, is called to inform the patient of the risks associated with manipulation and of alternative options, and to plan the care pathway after proper clinical assessment of the subject, by anticipating the possibility of further investigation by a physician.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":51068,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Osteopathic Medicine","volume":"56 ","pages":"Article 100746"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2025-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144090469","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Potential effects of combining osteopathic manual therapy and menstrual awareness on pain and associated symptoms in women with primary dysmenorrhea: A randomized clinical trial","authors":"María Conesa-Albaladejo ,&nbsp;Gemma Victoria Espí-López ,&nbsp;Eva Martínez-Graullera ,&nbsp;Anna Arnal-Gómez","doi":"10.1016/j.ijosm.2025.100761","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijosm.2025.100761","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Dysmenorrhea is a menstrual condition that accounts for 50–90 % of all gynaecological consultations and is the most common gynaecological condition among young women. Lack of information regarding treatment options can affect the symptoms and quality of life of women who suffer from it. Osteopathic manual therapy could be a treatment option to improve symptoms in primary dysmenorrhea.</div></div><div><h3>Objective</h3><div>The aim of this study was to apply an osteopathic manual therapy protocol to reduce menstrual pain and other symptoms related to primary dysmenorrhea.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A randomized clinical trial was conducted. Thirty-nine female volunteers diagnosed with primary dysmenorrhea, with a mean age of 30.4 years (SD = 5.67), were randomly assigned to two groups: an experimental group (n = 19) who received body awareness plus osteopathic manual therapy and a comparator group (n = 20) who received only body awareness. Pain intensity (Visual Analogue Scale), pain perception (the McGill Pain Questionnaire), quality of life (36-Item Short Form Survey Instrument), body satisfaction (Body Satisfaction and Global Self-Perception Questionnaire), and overall perception of change (Patient Global Impression of Change Scale) were assessed pre- and post-treatment.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Comparing both groups, the experimental group showed a statistically significant improvement in pain intensity (p = 0.007), pain perception (p = 0.025), quality of life (p &lt; 0.001), and body satisfaction (p &lt; 0.001). In addition, most women in the experimental group (94.7 %) perceived a positive change after treatment, while most of the comparator group (65 %) reported no changes.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>An osteopathic manual therapy protocol combined with body awareness revealed significant improvements in terms of pain and other symptoms in women with dysmenorrhea.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":51068,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Osteopathic Medicine","volume":"56 ","pages":"Article 100761"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2025-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143886956","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Inter-rater and intra-rater reliability of belt-stabilized hand-held dynamometer using make test in lower extremity muscle strength assessment among healthy adults","authors":"Reil Vinard S. Espino ,&nbsp;Consuelo Gonzalez-Suarez ,&nbsp;Lewis A. Ingram ,&nbsp;Ivan Neil B. Gomez ,&nbsp;Kris Anthony T. Agarao ,&nbsp;Jazzmine Gale Flores ,&nbsp;Nicole Bulseco","doi":"10.1016/j.ijosm.2025.100753","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijosm.2025.100753","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>A significant factor that affects athletic or functional performance in various sports or activities is the weakness in the muscles of the lower extremities. The isokinetic dynamometer (IKD) and the handheld dynamometer (HHD) are two tools available for measuring muscle strength objectively. However, the handheld dynamometer (HHD) - which is convenient, portable, and simple to use, is one of the more popular ways to measure the strength of the lower limb muscles.</div></div><div><h3>Objective</h3><div>This study aims to assess the inter-rater and intra-rater reliability of the make test conducted with a belt-stabilized HHD for measuring lower extremity muscle strength.</div></div><div><h3>Design</h3><div>This research adopted an inter-rater and intra-rater reliability study design involving ten healthy adults (six females, four males; mean age = 22.6 ± 2.9 years) from a university community.</div></div><div><h3>Setting</h3><div>The assessments were conducted in a Sports Science Laboratory.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A two-way mixed absolute agreement model of intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was used to assess inter-rater and intra-rater reliability.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The intra-rater reliability analysis revealed excellent results for most assessors, with an ICC exceeding 0.75; however, two assessors demonstrated moderate reliability (ICC = 0.72–0.73). The inter-rater reliability showed excellent outcomes ranging from ICC = 0.913 to 0.980.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>In conclusion, the make test using a belt-stabilized HHD displayed excellent reliability for assessing hip, knee, and ankle muscle strength in the healthy young adult population.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":51068,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Osteopathic Medicine","volume":"56 ","pages":"Article 100753"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2025-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143611010","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Osteopathic manipulative treatment of the ankle-foot complex in individuals with limited dorsiflexion: Study protocol for a randomized crossover clinical trial","authors":"Alice Loures de Paula ,&nbsp;Rayane Quintão Castro ,&nbsp;Heloisa Costa Souza ,&nbsp;Bruna de Castro Moreira ,&nbsp;Isabella Cristina Moreira Baião ,&nbsp;Cyntia Pace Schmitz Correa ,&nbsp;Diogo Carvalho Felício ,&nbsp;Diogo Simões Fonseca","doi":"10.1016/j.ijosm.2025.100756","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijosm.2025.100756","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Reduced ankle dorsiflexion range of motion leads to changes in daily functional activities such as walking. Myofascial, muscular, and joint techniques are commonly used to restore this range. Joint techniques typically focus on the talocrural joint, treating the foot as a rigid segment. This study aims to propose an evaluation and treatment protocol for the ankle and foot complex in healthy individuals with reduced dorsiflexion. A randomized crossover clinical trial, with a 2-week washout period and follow-up to assess the retention of the intervention's effects, will be conducted in adults aged 18–40 years. Thirty participants will be recruited and assessed before and after intervention for ankle range of motion using the weight-bearing lunge test, as well as for kinematic and spatiotemporal gait variables measured by inertial sensors. The intervention, consisting of osteopathic manipulative treatment, will target the talocrural, distal tibiofibular, subtalar, midtarsal (Chopart), tarsal-metatarsal, and metatarsal-phalangeal joints. This study has been submitted to the Ethics Committee of the Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora (protocol no. 6.917.725) and registered in the Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials (RBR-10rvpcp3). An acute improvement in ankle dorsiflexion range of motion is expected, along with additional effects on the spatiotemporal and kinematic gait variables, which could assist in clinical decision-making for treating dorsiflexion limitations.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":51068,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Osteopathic Medicine","volume":"56 ","pages":"Article 100756"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2025-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143890882","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Effectiveness of soft tissue manipulation on function and muscle activity of superficial masseter and anterior temporalis in patients with oral Submucous Fibrosis: A study protocol for randomized clinical trial","authors":"Rohan Kumar Sahu ,&nbsp;Preeti Garg ,&nbsp;Deepak Gupta ,&nbsp;Aditi Popli ,&nbsp;Kanu Goyal ,&nbsp;Manu Goyal","doi":"10.1016/j.ijosm.2025.100764","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijosm.2025.100764","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Oral Submucous Fibrosis (OSMF) is a chronic, disabling disorder of oral cavity primarily marked by limited mouth opening (trismus) and rigid lips, cheeks and pharynx causing dysphagia and a burning sensation in the mouth.</div></div><div><h3>Objective</h3><div>To compare the efficacy of soft tissue manipulation on function and muscle activity of superficial masseter and anterior temporalis in patients with OSMF.</div></div><div><h3>Material &amp; methods</h3><div>A total of 12 OSMF participants will be randomized in two groups i.e. Group 1- Soft tissue manipulation and Intralesional injection (STM + II), while Group 2 -Intralesional injection (II) only. Participants will receive one session per week for 6 weeks with the duration of 30–40 min per session. The mouth opening range, pain and muscle function will be assessed at the baseline and 6 weeks from baseline.</div></div><div><h3>Result</h3><div>Following normality determination appropriate within and between the group analysis will be performed to evaluate statistical significance and effect size and power of intervention will be computed.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>This study will evaluate the efficacy of the STM in improving muscle function of superficial masseter and anterior temporalis in patients with OSMF.</div></div><div><h3>Implications for practice</h3><div><ul><li><span>•</span><span><div>This study protocol deals with Oral Submucous Fibrosis (OSMF) patients having trismus more than 3 months, investigating the effectiveness of Soft Tissue Manipulation (STM) on function and muscle activity of superficial masseter and anterior temporalis muscle in patients with OSMF.</div></span></li><li><span>•</span><span><div>Very few studies have been conducted on the application of Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment for the management of temporomandibular dysfunctions but there isn't any published literature on this therapy's potential in cases with OSMF.</div></span></li></ul></div></div>","PeriodicalId":51068,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Osteopathic Medicine","volume":"56 ","pages":"Article 100764"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2025-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143922817","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Leadership and capacity building in international osteopathic research: Introducing Strengthening osteopathy leadership and research (SOLAR) program","authors":"Cindy McIntyre ,&nbsp;Gopi Anne McLeod ,&nbsp;Ana Paula Antunes Ferreira ,&nbsp;Francesco Cerritelli ,&nbsp;Jerry Draper-Rodi ,&nbsp;Jack Feehan ,&nbsp;Michael Fleischmann ,&nbsp;Kesava Kovanur Sampath ,&nbsp;Chantal Morin ,&nbsp;Lee Muddle ,&nbsp;Niklas Sinderholm Sposato ,&nbsp;Oliver P. Thomson ,&nbsp;Loïc Treffel ,&nbsp;Nicholas Tripodi ,&nbsp;Brett Vaughan ,&nbsp;Amie Steel ,&nbsp;Jon Adams","doi":"10.1016/j.ijosm.2025.100755","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijosm.2025.100755","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Research evidence has become the foundation of modern health services. Health professionals rely on sound research to provide safe and effective care for patients, for the development of innovative diagnostic and treatment practices and to develop policies supporting the provision of optimal healthcare. Osteopathy is an established profession with an emerging research evidence base. The Strengthening Osteopathic Leadership and Research (SOLAR) program is a recent international initiative aiming to further build the evidence base and research capacity of the osteopathy profession. The program was developed by The Australian Research Consortium in Complementary and Integrative Medicine (ARCCIM) at the University of Technology Sydney (Sydney, Australia) and funded primarily by Osteopathy Australia, with the support from the Osteopathic Foundation (UK), Osteopaths New Zealand (NZ), Unité Pour l’Ostéopathie (France), and Svenska Osteopatförbundet (Sweden). This paper describes the origins, objectives and features of the SOLAR program and outlines the importance of the program for future research and practice in the osteopathy profession. From its beginnings in 2022, to date, the SOLAR program has been highly successful, producing a substantial collection of concrete research and presentations, while enhancing the Fellows' capacity and confidence as leaders, both in osteopathy and the broader healthcare environment.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":51068,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Osteopathic Medicine","volume":"56 ","pages":"Article 100755"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2025-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143890884","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Effects of osteopathic treatments in a patient who underwent two cardiac surgeries - A case report","authors":"Andrée Aubin ,&nbsp;Joëlle Bekhazi ,&nbsp;Alexandra Fortin ,&nbsp;Anilyn Paradis ,&nbsp;Chantal Morin","doi":"10.1016/j.ijosm.2025.100765","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijosm.2025.100765","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Surgical scars often lead to pain and can impact function. The osteopathic approach could be a valuable care option, especially for patients who have not fully recovered their health after a reasonable recovery period, but the mechanisms of action remain unknown.</div></div><div><h3>Objective</h3><div>This study aims to describe how osteopathic interventions, guided by emerging models, can support the improvement of a patient's condition related to the consequences of thoracic surgeries.</div></div><div><h3>Case description</h3><div>A 56-year-old woman who underwent two thoracic cardiac surgeries (at 15 and 55 years old) post-endocarditis suffered, since the last surgery, from severe functional limitations (reduced respiratory amplitude, severe pain in the sternal region, difficulty lying on her back and stomach, lack of endurance when walking, poor sleep quality, limitations in daily activities) and presented with postural disturbances potentially related to these symptoms. There were hypoesthesias and sensitivity signs suggestive of pain catastrophizing.</div></div><div><h3>Outcomes</h3><div>Following initial evaluation, the patient received 4 one-hour osteopathic treatments. Four out of nine indicators of the Medical Outcome Study Short Form-60 (MOS SF-36) have improved: estimation of general health status, level of pain, general health indicator, and physical functioning. Pain decreased from 7 to 3/10 and walking distance increased to over 1.6 km.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Although post-surgical osteopathic interventions often involve scar tissue work to recover local tissue mobility or primarily musculoskeletal maneuvers, in this case, the interventions were guided by multiple models—including interoception, the biopsychosocial framework, and a patient-centered approach—to align with the patient's condition and recovery potential.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":51068,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Osteopathic Medicine","volume":"56 ","pages":"Article 100765"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2025-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144090470","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"How to Prepare for the Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination of the USA level 2-Cognitive Evaluation (COMLEX-USA level 2-CE)","authors":"Samuel Kadavakollu,&nbsp;Aaron George,&nbsp;Venkata Atluri,&nbsp;Paula Gregory","doi":"10.1016/j.ijosm.2025.100758","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijosm.2025.100758","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>To complete undergraduate medical training and secure licensure, osteopathic medical students must pass standardized high-stakes examinations, including the Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination of the USA Level 2-Cognitive Evaluation (COMLEX-USA Level 2-CE). The examination aims to verify learners' necessary clinical knowledge, diagnostic reasoning, required competencies for osteopathic physicians in training, and readiness before they advance to graduate medical education settings. As the number of students in osteopathic medical training increases, it is essential to advance opportunities for COMLEX-USA Level 2-CE preparation. This manuscript aims to support osteopathic medical students and osteopathic medical educators, learning specialists, academic advisors, and administrators in developing a successful preparation plan for the COMLEX-USA Level 2-CE. The tips within this manuscript align with the information presented in osteopathic medical school curricula and the content outline found within the National Board of Osteopathic Medical Examiners (NBOME) blueprint. These include an emphasis on preparation phases for planning, reviewing, and practicing as well as the importance of clinical curriculum, clinical examinations, NBOME Blueprint, clinical scenarios, and complete full-length examinations. The article is an opinion piece that describes how osteopathic medical students can prepare, practice, and develop more effective board preparation strategies to improve their COMLEX Level 2-CE score.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":51068,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Osteopathic Medicine","volume":"56 ","pages":"Article 100758"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2025-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143899200","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Integration of osteopathy in the Portuguese National Health Service: Perceptions and expectations of citizens and health professionals","authors":"Beatriz Maria ,&nbsp;Sílvia Gomes ,&nbsp;Ana Rita Goes","doi":"10.1016/j.ijosm.2024.100744","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.ijosm.2024.100744","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Osteopathy's framework varies globally in healthcare systems due to context-specific factors like legal status, healthcare system integration, and implementation levels. With osteopathy expanding in Portugal and recognising the importance of defining its role in the National Health Service, it is essential to understand public perceptions and expectations in the Portuguese context even for more significant equity of access.</div></div><div><h3>Objective</h3><div>Explore citizen and healthcare professionals' perceptions and expectations regarding integrating osteopathy into the Portuguese National Health Service.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>The study used a qualitative design. Two focus groups were conducted—a citizens' focus group (n = 8) and a health professional's focus group (n = 6). Citizens' focus group was in-person, and the health professional's focus group was online. Analysis of focus group transcripts followed a constructivist paradigm utilising thematic analysis.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Thematic analysis resulted in four principal themes: osteopathy concept; competent osteopath; concerns and expectations, and National Health Service integration. Despite diverse and limited perspectives on its scope, participants generally held positive attitudes towards osteopathy. Nevertheless, barriers to NHS integration were noted, along with suggestions for improving osteopathy's integration into the healthcare system.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>This study highlights a positive attitude among participants towards the integration of osteopathy into the National Health Service. However, they acknowledge that the profession faces significant challenges in achieving this integration. Overcoming these obstacles may require a gradual approach, which includes focusing on evidence of effectiveness, wider dissemination, and the establishment of supportive reimbursement systems.</div></div><div><h3>Implication for practice</h3><div><ul><li><span>•</span><span><div>The findings highlight the importance of ensuring credible training, practical experience, and relational skills in osteopathy. These factors are key in influencing how individuals choose osteopaths and can guide practitioners in building trust with patients and positioning their services effectively.</div></span></li><li><span>•</span><span><div>Addressing concerns related to diagnostic capacity, technique safety, and quality assurance is crucial for improving the safety and quality of osteopathic care, as well as reducing public concerns.</div></span></li><li><span>•</span><span><div>The study provides valuable insights into the potential benefits and challenges of integrating osteopathy into the National Health Service, offering useful guidance for policymakers and healthcare professionals involved in this decision-making process.</div></span></li></ul></div></div>","PeriodicalId":51068,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Osteopathic Medicine","volume":"55 ","pages":"Article 100744"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143132072","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}