Patient expectations of manual and non-manual therapy within an osteopathic consultation: A cross sectional study

Abstract

IntroductionPatient expectations of an osteopathic consultation can influence their evaluation of the effectiveness of osteopathic management. Throughout an osteopathic consultation practitioners' may use manual therapy (MT) and/or non-manual therapy (NMT). Currently, little is known regarding patient's expectations and preferences of osteopathic management. The aim of this study was to identify patients' expectations of their management within an osteopathic consultation, specifically in terms of the ratio of MT and NMT. MethodsNew patients to the Victoria University student osteopathic clinic were invited to complete a 5 question likert survey about their previous osteopathic experience; body region to be treated, and the expected ratio of MT to NMT during the consultation. ResultsOverall, Of the 161 participants, 85.7% expected a ratio of 75:25 or 50:50 MT to NMT (Q3), while 49% of participants were ‘extremely likely’ to ‘likely’ to attend a solely NMT consultation, if it were best practice for their condition (Q4). No significant difference was identified between responses to Q3 or Q4 when grouped according to the number of previous osteopathic consults, or gender. There was a positive, weak correlation between Q3 and Q4. ConclusionThe majority of participants expected their osteopathic consultation to consist mostly of MT. This study enhances osteopaths’ understanding of patient expectations, which can contribute to the formulation of improved education and management plans. Future research should focus on strategies on how to best align patient expectations of management with the broader evidence base.