A study on the views of Midwives, student midwives and health visitors upon osteopathy and referral to/from an osteopath
Item
- Title
- A study on the views of Midwives, student midwives and health visitors upon osteopathy and referral to/from an osteopath
- Author(s)
- Beaumont, L
- Abstract
- Background The awareness of osteopathy has grown throughout the years, and is still growing today although bridging between other healthcare professionals is still subjective. This research project is an investigation into the relationship midwives, student midwives and health visitors have with osteopaths with reference to referrals. Objectives This qualitative research project aims to explore and analyse the existing relationship between osteopaths and midwives, student midwives and health visitors.Design An exploratory approach with elements of phenomenology theory.Method Semi-structured interviews were used to gather data: audio recorded, transcribed verbatim and anonymised. Data was analysed and interpreted using a thematic framework approach. Triangulation was completed and all participants took part in member checking via email. Results In total nine interviews were conducted with Midwives, Student Midwives and Health visitors from the Kent area. Six high-level themes and eighteen sub themes emerged from thematic analysis. Participants referral to an osteopath was influenced on their own understanding and awareness of osteopathy, taking into consideration their patient’s household income with most osteopathic practices being private. Discussion Views on the importance of collaboration between complementary and alternative practitioners and other healthcare professionals has changed in comparison to previous attitudes. Participants views were correlated throughout the majority of the research, whereby osteopathy was widely recognised as an alternative form of treatment. The study emonstrated a lack of understanding and awareness of osteopathy, which was strongly controlled by the absence of collaborative practice education in both training and in the work place.Conclusion Participants in this study recognised the significance of education and collaboration within healthcare professionals and its importance to providing optimal care to patients. The limiting knowledge of osteopathy is seen to cause a barrier between professions. Lack of knowledge regarding NHS funding for osteopathic treatment was proven to be a hindrance. This paired with a lack of conclusive and recent research on osteopathy in this field, made it difficult for the study group to support any recommendations or referrals to an osteopath.
- presented at
- European School of Osteopathy
- Date Accepted
- 2018
- Date Submitted
- 25.1.2019 17:18:24
- Type
- osteo_thesis
- Language
- English
- Submitted by:
- 62
- Pub-Identifier
- 16385
- Inst-Identifier
- 1229
- Keywords
- Osteopathy
- Recommended
- 0
- Item sets
- Thesis
Beaumont, L, “A study on the views of Midwives, student midwives and health visitors upon osteopathy and referral to/from an osteopath”, Osteopathic Research Web, accessed May 2, 2024, https://www.osteopathic-research.com/s/orw/item/375