Positive Health Online

Abstract

JOHNSON and KURTZ, Department of Family and Community Medicine, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, 48824-1316, USA, investigated whether osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) is becoming a 'lost art' in the profession.

Background

Methodology

In April 1998, a two-page questionnaire was mailed to 3,000 randomly selected osteopathic physicians in the USA to assess factors affecting their use of OMT . Descriptive statistics, linear regression analyses and ANOVA techniques were used to test the differences.

Results

The response rate was 33.2%. Over 50% of respondents used OMT on less that 5% of their patients . ANOVA revealed that OMT use was significantly affected by practice type, graduation date and family physicians versus specialists . Among specialists, 58% of the variance regression was attributed to barriers to use, practice protocol, attitudes and training . Among family physicians, 43% of the variance regression was attributed to barriers to use, practice protocol and attitudes . The eventual level of OMT use was related to whether postgraduate training had been undertaken in osteopathic, allopathic or mixed staff facilities, particularly for osteopathic specialists.

Conclusion

The findings support the assertion that OMT is becoming a lost art among osteopathic practitioners. Osteopathic as well as allopathic medical educators and policymakers should address the impact of the diminished use of OMT on both US health care and the unique identifying practices associated with the osteopathic profession.

References

Johnson SM, Kurtz ME. Diminished use of osteopathic manipulative treatment and its impact on the uniqueness of the osteopathic profession. Academic Medicine 76 (8): 821-8. Aug 2001.