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The Italian Osteopathic Practitioners Estimates and RAtes (OPERA) study: How osteopaths work
Francesco Cerritelli1, Giacomo Consorti1,2,3, Patrick L S van Dun4
1Clinical-based Human Research Department, Foundation COME Collaboration, Pescara, Italy.
Plos One
|July 3, 2020
Summary
Italian osteopaths show distinct profiles based on practice setting. Sole practitioners often use systemic techniques and treat more patients, while team-based osteopaths collaborate frequently with physiotherapists and physicians.
Area of Science:
- Osteopathic Medicine
- Healthcare Practice Analysis
- Public Health
Background:
- The scope of osteopathic practice in Italy is not well-documented.
- Understanding osteopaths' profiles and practice patterns is crucial for healthcare integration.
- Previous research (OPERA-IT study) identified socio-demographic and educational characteristics of Italian osteopaths.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare diagnostic and treatment modalities between sole practitioner osteopaths and those working in teams.
- To identify differences in patient characteristics and clinical practice between these two groups.
- To provide a comprehensive overview of osteopathic practice in Italy.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional survey using a validated 57-item questionnaire translated into Italian.
- Online delivery of the survey to a representative sample of Italian osteopaths.
- Statistical analysis including principal component analysis and logistic regression.
Main Results:
- 4,816 osteopaths completed the survey; 58.4% work as sole practitioners.
- Team-based osteopaths collaborate primarily with physiotherapists (23.3%), physicians (21.6%), and other osteopaths (19.6%).
- Significant differences found in demographics, training, work, consultations, fees, and waiting times.
- Sole practitioners showed higher probability of using systemic techniques (OR=0.91) and treating more patients weekly with less time per patient.
- Most patients were adults (41-64 and 21-40 years) presenting with musculoskeletal complaints like back and neck pain.
Conclusions:
- Two distinct profiles of Italian osteopaths exist: sole practitioners and team members.
- Osteopathic practice in Italy involves interprofessional collaboration, especially with physiotherapists.
- Adults are the primary recipients of osteopathic care for musculoskeletal issues, often referred by acquaintances.
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