Abstract

ObjectiveWork-related injuries constitute a significant proportion of osteopaths' practice. This study was designed to determine the practitioner and practice characteristics of osteopaths who treat people with work-related injuries and to identify the impact of workers’ compensation scheme status on the use of osteopathic medicine. MethodsA cross-sectional survey was distributed to a nationally-representative sample of 992 Australian osteopaths. Multivariate logistic regression modelling was performed to identify the practitioner and practice characteristics of osteopaths that were statistically significantly associated with the treatment of work-related injuries. ResultsA total of 847 osteopaths (86%) at least sometimes treated people with work-related injuries within the previous 12-months. One hundred and three participating osteopaths indicated they often treated people with work-related injuries who were covered by a workers' compensation scheme and 341 participating osteopaths indicated they often treated people with work-related injuries who were not covered by a workers’ compensation scheme. Osteopaths who often treated work-related injuries were also more likely to often treat people with sports-related injuries, often treat people with traffic-related injuries, and/or often discuss medications with patients. ConclusionsA large proportion of Australian osteopaths treat people with work-related injuries. Further examination of osteopathic medicine use for work-related injuries is warranted.

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