Osteopathic health care in aged care facilities: The experience of practitioners in an emerging practice setting
2024

Osteopathic Health Care in Aged Care Facilities

Sample size: 8 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Amorim Maria, Bennett Jade, McGarry David, Moore Brydie, Orrock Paul, Whitton Lochlan, Dullard Stephen

Primary Institution: Southern Cross University

Hypothesis

What are the experiences of osteopaths working in residential aged care facilities in Australia?

Conclusion

Osteopaths find working in aged care facilities rewarding, but face challenges due to inadequate policy and funding.

Supporting Evidence

  • Osteopaths report positive experiences working in aged care facilities.
  • Participants noted the need for better training and education in aged care.
  • Challenges include emotional strain and inadequate staffing.
  • Interprofessional collaboration was highlighted as beneficial.
  • Participants expressed a desire for more practical experience in aged care during their education.

Takeaway

Osteopaths help older people in care homes feel better, but they need more support and training to do their jobs well.

Methodology

Qualitative descriptive study using purposive and snowball sampling to conduct interviews and thematic analysis.

Limitations

The study was conducted by postgraduate students with limited experience in qualitative data collection.

Participant Demographics

{"age":{"25-35 years":6,"36-45 years":1,"46-55 years":1},"gender":{"male":7,"female":1},"employment_status":{"full_time":1,"part_time":7},"education_level":{"bachelor_degree":2,"master_degree":6},"years_of_experience":{"clinical_practice":{"<1 year":1,"1-2 years":3,"3+ years":4},"aged_care_facility":{"<1 year":1,"1-2 years":6,"3+ years":1}}}

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1111/ajag.13362

Want to read the original?

Access the complete publication on the publisher's website

View Original Publication