Practicing osteopaths views, experiences and definitions of the phenomenon of potency in osteopathy.
Item
- Title
- Practicing osteopaths views, experiences and definitions of the phenomenon of potency in osteopathy.
- Author(s)
- Haegelsteen, C
- Abstract
- Background: Description of the phenomenon of potency appears in osteopathic literature, and is used by osteopaths to outline a practical perception of tissue health expression. Various interpretations for this phenomenon impart it with a complex and blurred meaning. Osteopathy needs to define distinctiveness in a wider professional landscape, and demonstrate engagement in evidence-based practice. Objectives: The study aims to investigate the views, conceptions and experiences of practicing osteopaths with regards to the phenomenon of potency. It intends to clarify the definition and application of the phenomenon of potency, identify its significance in practice and add data to the emerging body of literature. Design: A qualitative approach was used to gather the data collected amongst a purposive sample of ten practicing osteopaths. Methods: Semi-structured interviews were used to gather data, audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and anonymised. Data were analysed and interpreted using a thematic framework approach and conceptually modelled. Triangulation was completed. Results: Five main themes emerged from the data: Source of influence, Definition, Implication in practice, Professional significance, Osteopathic philosophy. Discussion: Practising osteopaths' accounts showed that the phenomenon of potency is a concept that is used in clinical practice. Although interpretations are numerous, they are shaped by the osteopathic educational environment and rest on the traditional philosophy defined by A.T. Still. Participants' perceptions were extracted from their individual life experiences, which may prove to be a challenge with regards to delivering a coherent message with an increasing criticality applied across all aspects of healthcare. Various sources of influence and references to scientific, metaphysical and spiritual advances indicated a need to update the conception of the phenomenon of potency. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that although the phenomenon of potency is abstract, it has profound philosophical and practical significance for osteopaths. It also showed the numerous sources of influence that shape the perceptions of practicing osteopaths. Furthermore it highlighted a need to redefine the phenomenon of potency and investigate strategies to construct a model that would offer some references and guidelines for osteopaths to use in practice and for educational purposes.
- presented at
- European School of Osteopathy
- Date Accepted
- 2016
- Date Submitted
- 2.12.2016 17:29:04
- Type
- osteo_thesis
- Language
- English
- Submitted by:
- 62
- Pub-Identifier
- 15947
- Inst-Identifier
- 1229
- Keywords
- Phenomenon of potency, Potency, Osteopathic Philosophy, Osteopathic language.
- Recommended
- 0
- Item sets
- Thesis
Haegelsteen, C, “Practicing osteopaths views, experiences and definitions of the phenomenon of potency in osteopathy.”, Osteopathic Research Web, accessed May 4, 2025, https://www.osteopathicresearch.com/s/orw/item/534