The public's attitudes, knowledge and perceptions towards osteopathic medicine in Melbourne

Little has been published about the patients who visit osteopathic physicians, their attitudes, perceptions, understanding and satisfaction with these health care providers. This study was developed to analyse the perceptions of a randomly selected sample of the general public of Melbourne, regarding their attitudes towards osteopathic medicine. The significance of this study was that it would lead to a greater understanding of how the osteopathic profession is perceived by the lay population. Surveys were mailed to 1000 people across Melbourne with an invitation to participate in this study and provide data on their attitudes and perceptions towards osteopathic medicine. The returned surveys were analysed. Even though osteopaths were perceived to work almost exclusively with conditions or injuries of the musculoskeletal system, they were not the first point of call for patients experiencing low back pain. Although knowledge of osteopathy was limited, those who sought osteopathic treatment were highly satisfied with their treatments. The level of knowledge of the general public regarding osteopathy was limited, compared to other health professionals. Most respondents had positive, but diverse, attitudes and perceptions regarding osteopathy, and those who knew very little about osteopathy, were eager to learn more. This minor thesis was written by a post-graduate student as part of the requirements of the Master of Health Science (Osteopathy) program.