Identification of distinctive characteristics, principles, and practices of the osteopathic physician in the current health care system

Abstract

ObjectiveThe osteopathic medical profession traditionally has distinct attributes. The purpose of this study is to identify current perceptions among osteopathic medical students, residents, and practicing physicians (teaching and nonteaching) to gauge the dynamics and perspectives of the distinctive characteristics, practices, and principles of the osteopathic medical profession. MethodsThe study used qualitative and quantitative methods sequentially in two phases, respectively. Osteopathic medical students, residents, and practicing physicians were drawn from the Western, Rocky Mountain, and Ohio Valley geographic regions. The qualitative phase used a series of focus group discussions from which themes were derived that informed writing of questions for a pilot questionnaire administered and analyzed for the quantitative phase. Item analyses, factor analyses, and multivariate analysis of variance were used. ResultsFocus groups showed that osteopathic distinctiveness is characterized chiefly by a holistic patient-centered approach, the use of alternative treatments to medications, training in osteopathic manipulation, and additional training in anatomy during medical school. A 38-question survey instrument was obtained. Factor analyses of this initial 38-question instrument yielded a 15-item three-factor solution that characterizes traditional attributes (excluding primary care emphasis), research as future direction, and perceived importance as constituents of osteopathic distinctiveness. ConclusionsOsteopathic distinctiveness perceptions are evolving from exclusive emphasis on primary care to broader traditional norms because of probable generational shifts in the profession. These changing dynamics should be considered in curricula development and policy along the entire continuum of osteopathic medical education by leadership of the profession.