The Austrian Osteopathic Practitioners Estimates and RAtes (OPERA): A cross-sectional survey

Abstract

Introduction Since the previous survey of the osteopathic profession in Austria was almost a decade ago, an update was necessary. The Osteopathic Practitioners Estimates and RAtes (OPERA) project was developed as a Europe-based survey, whereby an updated profile of the profession not only provides new data for Austria, but also allows for a clear comparison with other European countries. Methods A voluntary, online-based, closed-ended survey was distributed across Austria in the period between April and August 2020. The original English OPERA-questionnaire, composed of 52 questions in seven sections, was formally translated in German and adapted to the Austrian situation. Recruitment was performed through social-media and an e-based campaign. Results The survey was completed by 338 individuals, of which 239 (71%) were female, and the median age was 40–49 years. Almost all respondents had preliminary healthcare training, mainly in physiotherapy (72%). The majority of respondents were self-employed (88%) and working as sole practitioners (54%). The median number of consultations per week was 21–25 and the majority of respondents scheduled 46–60 minutes for each consultation (69%). The most commonly used diagnostic techniques were: palpation of position/structure, palpation of tenderness and visual inspection. The most commonly used treatment techniques were cranial, visceral and articulatory/mobilisation techniques. The majority of patients estimated by respondents consulted an osteopath for musculoskeletal complaints mainly localised in the lumbar and cervical region. Although the majority of respondents experience a strong osteopathic identity, only a small proportion (17%) advertise themselves exclusively as osteopaths. Conclusions This study represents the first published document to determine the characteristics of the osteopathic practitioners in Austria using large, national data. It provides new information on where, how, and by whom osteopathic care is delivered. The information provided may contribute to the evidence used by stakeholders and policy makers for the future regulation of the profession in Austria.

Characteristics, Opportunities, and Challenges of Osteopathy Based on the Perceptions of Osteopaths in Austria: Qualitative Interview Study

“…In our survey, the typical osteopath presents as female and has previously worked as a physiotherapist, as previous studies have found [ 8 ]. This is consistent with other surveys from Europe regarding osteopathy.…”

“…A possible reason for the heterogeneous attempts at explanation may lie in the difference in training and previous education. A recent study showed that only 17% of osteopaths surveyed in Austria identified themselves “exclusively” as osteopaths [ 8 ]. Therefore, there is a suspicion that, as our study also showed, the basic profession and nonregulation have a major influence on self-image.…”

“…The sample represents the entirety of osteopaths in Austria well. Most respondents were women and physiotherapists [ 8 ]. Nevertheless, bias cannot be dismissed with such a specific sample.…”

“…In 2022, the results of the Osteopathic Practitioners, Estimates, and Rates survey were also published for Austria, thus creating a solid data basis about osteopathic practitioners in Austria for the first time. The typical osteopath was defined as female, aged between 40 and 49 years, self-employed, worked before as a physiotherapist, trained in osteopathy part time, and successfully completed a master’s degree [ 8 ]. However, there is a lack of studies with qualitative designs to capture and examine the work of osteopaths in German-speaking countries in more detail.…”

Is Craniosacral Therapy Effective? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

“…International surveys have reported that 23% to 90% of osteopaths use CST. Specifically in Europe, between 70% and 89% of the interviewed osteopaths use CST always or often [ 4 , 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 ]; and 23% to 46% use it as a first-line treatment [ 10 , 11 ]. The relationship between the craniosacral system and the mentioned diseases has been theoretically based on implausible and unproven anatomical claims and connections [ 12 ], which means that no real relationship has been established, making the use of CST less than plausible.…”