The DO difference: an analysis of causal relationships affecting the degree-change debate

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Professional Identity
• Osteopathic Medicine

Background:

• The doctor of osteopathy (DO) degree faces low public recognition, prompting debate on name changes.
• This scrutiny is linked to reduced emphasis on palpation and osteopathic manipulative treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

• Investigate factors influencing osteopathic medical students' desire to change or retain the DO degree designation.
• Examine the connection between knowledge, attitudes, and intentions regarding the "DO difference."

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional electronic survey assessed 214 osteopathic medical students in the Midwestern US.
• The survey measured knowledge of osteopathic principles and practice (OPP), attitudes, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, and intention to support degree change.

Main Results:

• Lower OPP knowledge correlated with positive attitudes favoring a degree change; higher knowledge correlated with opposition.
• Attitudes best predicted intention to vote (85% variance), while perceived behavioral control best predicted intention to debate (38% variance).

Conclusions:

• Diminished use of historic professional markers impacts the DO degree's perceived value.
• Enhancing student awareness of OPP is crucial for maintaining the DO difference in practice and degree designation.