How do osteopaths understand and manage developmental coordination disorder?
Item
- Title
- How do osteopaths understand and manage developmental coordination disorder?
- Author(s)
- Killick-West, J
- Abstract
- : Developmental coordination disorder (DCD) is a disorder of predominantly motor difficulties impacting about 5% of the population; its negative effects on physical and mental health have been well recorded. Conversely there is a paucity of research into the mechanisms behind DCD and a dearth of up to date osteopathic literature. This research aims to explore and analyse assessment and intervention strategies adopted by osteopaths. There are four main areas of investigation; How do practicing osteopaths navigate the ambiguity surrounding the understanding of DCD. How osteopaths view the role of diagnosis in a condition as nebulous as DCD, alongside the views on current guidelines. Finally which intervention strategies are osteopaths utilising and what measures are in place to assure efficacy of intervention. Methods: A qualitative study that used a grounded theory framework, alongside semi structured interviews as a mode of data gathering interviews were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim and anonymised Ten participants were selected for the study using purposive sampling. Data was analysed and interpreted using frameworks akin to grounded theory in addition to conceptual data modelling. Results: Ten interviews were recorded and led to a final framework consisting of four main themes, with two overarching concepts and twenty' three subthemes. The four main themes either comprised understanding or management. Understanding was formed by hypothetical aetiology and therapeutic theory, while management constituted actions to assess and therapeutic action. Thematic interaction of all main themes, with ongoing cycles between themes one, two and three led to the derision of a reflective practice model. Here understanding of DCD is informed by aetiology and therapeutic theory, which subsequently influences management and intervention. Discussion Osteopaths were found to navigate the ambiguity surrounding DCD by gaining an understanding of the central debates discussed in theme one. When uncertainty arose participants employed topics fundamental to therapeutic theory to inform understanding and influence assessment mode. Views on diagnosis were varied and influenced by therapeutic background with debate focused around labelling, early intervention and multidisciplinary approaches. Existing knowledge was accrued from the interaction of aetiology and therapeutic theory. This was used alongside clinical reasoning and deliberation to inform the final theme of treatment, in a cycle demonstrative of reflective practice. Intervention strategies were explored, uncovering contrasting views on multidisciplinary approaches for both assessment and treatment. Assessment measures found were largely subjective, elucidating treatment efficacy as an area for future improvement. Conclusion This study aimed to investigate how osteopaths understand and manage DCD, it appears that a reflective practice model prevails. In this instance therapeutic actions are informed by hypothetical aetiology and therapeutic understanding, leading to a model of practice that involves reflective cycles of assessment and treatment. There are currently insufficient objective measures to determine the value of this approach.Possible ways forward may include the innovation of a set of objective clinical outcomes, which in an area as highly subjective and amorphous as DCD, may go some way to ensuring treatment effectiveness amongst manual therapists.
- presented at
- European School of Osteopathy
- Date Accepted
- 2014
- Date Submitted
- 20.1.2015 16:43:40
- Type
- osteo_thesis
- Language
- English
- Submitted by:
- 62
- Pub-Identifier
- 15504
- Inst-Identifier
- 1229
- Keywords
- SDHD, Dyspraxia, DCD
- Recommended
- 0
- Item sets
- Thesis
Killick-West, J, “How do osteopaths understand and manage developmental coordination disorder?”, Osteopathic Research Web, accessed May 17, 2024, https://www.osteopathicresearch.com/s/orw/item/660