Perceptions of osteopathy within the NHS: A qualitative exploration of GPs’ views and experiences of a primary care based osteopathy service
Item
- Title
- Perceptions of osteopathy within the NHS: A qualitative exploration of GPs’ views and experiences of a primary care based osteopathy service
- Title
- Perceptions of osteopathy within the NHS: A qualitative exploration of GPs’ views and experiences of a primary care based osteopathy service
- Author(s)
- Back Kristin
- Abstract
- Background: In the UK, osteopathy is predominantly provided within private practice with limited availability of NHS funded osteopathy. GPs are soon to be given responsibility for commissioning services, such as osteopathy, for their patients. Osteopaths seeking NHS work and GPs commissioning manual therapy services may benefit from research exploring NHS funded osteopathic provision. Objectives: To explore GPs views and experiences of osteopathy in the treatment of patients within an NHS primary care setting Method: Semi-structured interviews were carried out with seven GPs who refer patients to NHS funded osteopathy within their practice. Transcripts were coded using a Content Analysis framework, consistent with elements of Grounded Theory. Results: Osteopathy was considered a valued service for the treatment of musculoskeletal problems. Osteopathy based with the practice was seen as beneficial, due to the facilitation of communication, information sharing and collaboration between the two practitioner groups. Proposed changes within the NHS changes have created uncertainty for the future of primary care services. Awareness of osteopathy within the medical profession was considered to be low. More could be done to promote osteopathy. Conclusions: GPs with access to osteopathy found it beneficial for patients. Short waiting times and patient accessibility were considered important. GPs appreciated a broader holistic approach and consideration of biopsychosocial factors. Changes to NHS commissioning may impact upon osteopathic provision. More information on cost benefits and treatment effectiveness is required.
- Abstract
- Background: In the UK, osteopathy is predominantly provided within private practice with limited availability of NHS funded osteopathy. GPs are soon to be given responsibility for commissioning services, such as osteopathy, for their patients. Osteopaths seeking NHS work and GPs commissioning manual therapy services may benefit from research exploring NHS funded osteopathic provision. Objectives: To explore GPs views and experiences of osteopathy in the treatment of patients within an NHS primary care setting Method: Semi-structured interviews were carried out with seven GPs who refer patients to NHS funded osteopathy within their practice. Transcripts were coded using a Content Analysis framework, consistent with elements of Grounded Theory. Results: Osteopathy was considered a valued service for the treatment of musculoskeletal problems. Osteopathy based with the practice was seen as beneficial, due to the facilitation of communication, information sharing and collaboration between the two practitioner groups. Proposed changes within the NHS changes have created uncertainty for the future of primary care services. Awareness of osteopathy within the medical profession was considered to be low. More could be done to promote osteopathy. Conclusions: GPs with access to osteopathy found it beneficial for patients. Short waiting times and patient accessibility were considered important. GPs appreciated a broader holistic approach and consideration of biopsychosocial factors. Changes to NHS commissioning may impact upon osteopathic provision. More information on cost benefits and treatment effectiveness is required.
- presented at
- British School of Osteopathy
- Date Accepted
- 2011
- Date Submitted
- 3.2.2012 00:00:00
- Type
- osteo_thesis
- Language
- English
- Pub-Identifier
- 15038
- Inst-Identifier
- 780
- Keywords
- Osteopathy, General Practice, GP, “National Health Service”, “Referral”, “Perceptions”, “Complementary Medicine”, “CAM”
- Recommended
- 0
- Item sets
- Thesis
Back Kristin, “Perceptions of osteopathy within the NHS: A qualitative exploration of GPs’ views and experiences of a primary care based osteopathy service”, Osteopathic Research Web, accessed May 14, 2024, https://www.osteopathicresearch.com/s/orw/item/1798