Osteopaths' Perceptions and Practice Behaviours Regarding Preventive Health in Their Clinical Practice

Australia's National Preventive Health Strategy (NPHS) explicitly highlights the important role of primary care in screening for and supporting behaviour change to help reach preventive health goals. Given osteopaths' position as primary care providers in Australia, their role in fulfilling the NPHS warrants consideration. In response, this study aims to investigate osteopaths' perceptions regarding their role in preventive health and their practice behaviours regarding the key priority areas outlined in the NPHS.

This online cross-sectional 63-item survey was completed by registered osteopaths practising in Australia. Data were descriptively analysed. Participants rated each determinant on a 7-point Likert scale ranging from 'no role at all' (1) to 'a very significant role' (7). Participants rated each determinant on a 7-point Likert scale ranging from 'no role at all' (1) to 'a very significant role' (7).

Participants (n = 220) identified all levels of preventive health as highly relevant for osteopathic practice, with the greatest relevance attributed to secondary prevention (Mean [M]: 6.2; Standard deviation [SD]: 1.2) and the lowest to quaternary prevention (M: 5.7; SD 1.6). When considering the seven priority preventive health topics outlined in the NPHS, participants reported most frequently screening for physical activity (M: 4.7; SD: 0.6) and least for immunisation status (M: 2.1; SD: 1.0). Participants rated patients explicitly asking them about changing their behaviour as having the greatest influence on their decision-making regarding discussing 'healthy eating' (M: 4.5; SD: 0.8), 'physical activity' (M: 4.4; SD: 0.9), 'mental health' (M: 4.4; SD: 0.9) and 'immunisation' (M: 3.8; SD: 1.3) with their patients. Participants reported being likely to undertake a range of actions in response to identifying patient need.

This study suggests osteopaths play a role in preventive health that may be broader than previously assumed yet is still not inclusive of the full range of behaviours required of health professionals if the Australian government is to fulfil the goals and objectives outlined in the NPHS. SO WHAT?: Government initiatives to implement the NPHS must ensure they are leveraging health professionals to their fullest potential.