The role of the osteopath: perceptions of first and fourth year students at the British School of Osteopathy
Item
- Title
- The role of the osteopath: perceptions of first and fourth year students at the British School of Osteopathy
- Author(s)
- Lal Alex
- Abstract
- The majority of related research into students’ perceptions of their chosen profession has tended to focus on orthodox medicine, with an emphasis on specific factors that define the role of the professional; or gender differences in these attitudes. A study was conducted in order to provide a comprehensive evaluation of the general views of students towards the role of an osteopath. The study also aimed to examine whether these beliefs differed between first and final year students; and whether there were gender and/or age differences in these beliefs. 90 undergraduates at the British School of Osteopathy (BSO), consisting of 45 first years and 45 fourth years, completed questionnaires concerning their perceptions of the role of an osteopath as identified by clinic faculty. Generally, it was found that students tended to cite treatment orientated skills; concern for the patient; and self-awareness as the most important aspects of an osteopath’s role. Some significant differences between first and fourth year attitudes were found; in particular that first years tended to have a more holistic and idealistic view of the role, whereas fourth years suggested more practical and less idealistic interpretations of the role of an osteopath. No gender differences were found. Differences were, however, found between two extreme age groups, with those aged 31 or above agreeing more that the role of the osteopath is to restore tissue health; to be self-reflective and aware of the limitations of osteopath; and to ensure that they do not impose their own problems. It is suggested that these findings show the effectiveness of the education programme implemented at the BSO in teaching osteopathic principles and practice in a coherent and integrated way. The findings of this study might provide a baseline of current student perceptions of the role of the osteopath, as well as allowing those concerned with the development of osteopathy to identify potential areas for further focus and development.
- Abstract
- presented at
- British School of Osteopathy
- Date Accepted
- 2000
- Date Submitted
- 31.7.2000 00:00:00
- Type
- undergraduate_project
- Language
- English
- Submitted by:
- 62
- Pub-Identifier
- 12174
- Inst-Identifier
- 780
- Keywords
- Students,Expectations,Perception,Osteopaths,Osteopathic Profession
- Recommended
- 0
- Item sets
- Thesis
Lal Alex, “The role of the osteopath: perceptions of first and fourth year students at the British School of Osteopathy”, Osteopathic Research Web, accessed April 29, 2024, https://www.osteopathicresearch.com/s/orw/item/2286