Pain knowledge, attitudes and beliefs of Australian osteopaths drawn from a nationally representative sample of the profession

Abstract

BackgroundPain has been identified as a global health issue with substantial effects on individuals and society. Health professionals managing pain complaints must have appropriate knowledge of pain neurophysiology, and attitudes and beliefs towards pain management that align with current practice guidelines. ObjectivesEvaluate Australian osteopaths' current level of knowledge of pain neurophysiology and their beliefs and attitudes towards pain, and explore associations with demographic variables. MethodAustralian osteopaths drawn from a nationally representative practice-based research network received the questionnaire. The questionnaire included demographic information, Neurophysiology of Pain Questionnaire (NPQ), Pain Attitudes and Beliefs Scale for Physiotherapists (PABS-PT) and the Attitudes to Back Pain Scale in Musculoskeletal Practitioners (ABS-mp). ResultsComplete responses were received from 211 osteopaths (21.3% response rate). The mean total NPQ score was equivalent to 72.2% correct responses. The PABS-PT Biomedical scale mean score was 38.8 ( ±9.1, α = 0.81) and the Biopsychosocial scale was 22.3 ( ±3.3, α = 0.38). ABS-mp mean factor scores suggest osteopaths support psychological approaches (22.1, ±3.3, α = 0.71) but endorsed more treatment sessions for those with back pain (15.9, ±4.7, α = 0.71). Trivial correlations between measures and most demographic variables were observed. Osteopaths who undertook further studies in pain had higher mean NPQ scores, with moderate negative correlations with a lower PABS-PT Biomedical subscale score (ρ = −0.45, p < 0.01). ConclusionsAustralian osteopaths demonstrate a range of pain neurophysiology knowledge, and beliefs and attitudes towards pain. The findings support the positive impact of professional development for improving pain knowledge in this population.