A study into the occurrence of the medical profession signposting parents with colicky babies to osteopathy in the cranial field.

Item

Title
A study into the occurrence of the medical profession signposting parents with colicky babies to osteopathy in the cranial field.
Author(s)
Bolton, L
Abstract
Title: A Study into the Occurrence of the Medical Profession Signposting Parents with Colicky Babies to Osteopathy in the Cranial Field; a qualitative approach Introduction: There appears to be a distinct lack of clinical evidence and knowledge surrounding the term infantile colic (IC) that has led to confusion within the healthcare profession (HCP) as to what constitutes as IC. This study was designed to build evidence to show how this has reached a crescendo point of uncertainty where there is sufficient need and interest identified to require clarification of the term and agree an absolute definition. Additionally, despite anecdotally osteopathy in the cranial field (OCF) being widely accepted as a remedy to help with IC, there is an impression that the lack of clinical evidence prevents the NHS from referring or recommending parents to OCF as a method to treat IC. This study sought to investigate experiences and opinions of embers of the HCP as to their knowledge and understanding of IC and whether OCF is considered a worthy adversary to more pharmacological medications. Methodology:A qualitative approach using phenomenology was employed. Semi-structured interviews were utilised to gather data; they were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and anonymised. Nine participants were selected for the study through purposive and then theoretical sampling. Data was analysed and interpreted using a thematic framework and conceptual data modelling. Results: Participants generally agreed on the symptoms of IC although these were extensive; less concurrence was recognised over the aetiology with opinions divided over whether physiological or non-physiological aspects are involved. Two philosophical conceptual illustrations emerged from these results with the first, the ‘attitude’ conceptual model exhibiting both associations between the symptoms and aetiology, whilst identifying a difference depending on the professional background of the participant, whereas the second, the ‘onion’ model, characterised factors that influences treatment choices along with highlighting how research and evidence is paramount and fluidic. It was interpreted that the first philosophy originated from different understandings of the term IC possibly derived from professional backgrounds whilst the second features views of potential influences depending on the environment and present professional inclination. Discussion: The study identified that the topic of IC is well researched but appears to be lacking in recent, developmental evidence on the aetiology and subsequently the symptoms, definition and treatment to be undertaken. This is consequently preventing establishment of advancement within the field, clarity of identification of the condition and thus development of referral routes and potential remedies. Conclusion: At present it implies that there is an unresolved challenge for HP to distinguish the aetiology of IC in order for the profession to adequately and appropriately respond to the large proportion of the population that suffers with IC either directly or indirectly as a result of an infant within the family unit suffering. Additionally, at a time when OCF is struggling to prove its worth within the orthodox HCP consideration needs to be made on the financial implications for parents and referrers as well as an implication for OCF to establish and define its role within the spectrum of primary health care. Key Words: Infantile colic, aetiology, definition, qualitative, views, research, semi-structured interviews, phenomenology, healthcare providers, primary care, osteopathy, cranial field, health visitors, GP, nurse practitioner, primary health care.
presented at
European School of Osteopathy
Date Accepted
2014
Date Submitted
20.1.2015 16:43:39
Type
osteo_thesis
Language
English
Submitted by:
62
Pub-Identifier
15485
Inst-Identifier
1229
Keywords
Colic, Neonates, Cranial.
Recommended
0
Item sets
Thesis

Bolton, L, “A study into the occurrence of the medical profession signposting parents with colicky babies to osteopathy in the cranial field.”, Osteopathic Research Web, accessed May 2, 2024, https://www.osteopathic-research.com/s/orw/item/679