Evidence-Based Practice in Osteopathy

Osteopathy is a science that is aimed at primary and preventive healthcare and takes a global approach to the individual, emphasizing the relationship between structure and function. It is a primary contact healthcare profession, and so osteopaths' basic and continuing training must guarantee patient safety. The standards of education of osteopaths and their implementation vary significantly worldwide. Although some countries have raised the level of training to a university degree, gaps still exist. Higher education standards provide more complete, rigorous, and evidence-based training, significantly improving the quality of consultations. The authors aim to show how evidence-based practice can be a useful methodology not only for clinical practice but also in undergraduate training, improving patient safety and reducing the risk of adverse events. They focus on the cooperation of osteopathy with other health areas. Sources of evidence applied to osteopathy are provided, and the importance of continuous professional development and remote learning are discussed.