An international profile of the practice of osteopaths: A systematic review of surveys

Abstract

Abstract Background Osteopathic healthcare exists globally but is not well described. We aimed to provide an overview to describe international osteopathic practice delivered by osteopaths. Method We searched PubMed and EMBASE and used peer network contacts to identify surveys describing and profiling osteopathic practitioners, osteopathic patients, practice and care. We included the most current data from surveys conducted at a national or regional level since 2012. Results Osteopathic practitioners in the 30-50-year-old age bracket were the most likely to respond to the surveys, with equal gender representation. Responders were more likely to be experienced practitioners with 8 years or more in practice and work in one location. Patients were mostly seen within one week from initial contact (mean 54%, range 19-75%). Patients were most commonly employed/self-employed adults and twice-as-likely to be women than men, 66% of patients were aged between 21 and 65 years, around 5-10% of patients were under 6 months old. The majority of patients (52-73%) sought care for sub-acute and chronic conditions. Low back and neck pain accounted for the highest proportion of patient complaints. In central Europe, osteopaths used more gentle techniques (cranial, visceral and functional), compared with the UK and Australia where structural techniques such as soft tissue manipulation and spinal manipulation were preferred. Conclusions Osteopaths are well educated, independent healthcare practitioners treating people with predominantly musculoskeletal complaints, mainly spinal, that have persisted for longer than four weeks. They deliver manual therapy as part of a package of care that includes exercise/physical activity and lifestyle advice.