In developing the revalidation scheme we needed information about how osteopaths practise so that we could ensure that all relevant factors, including information about hard-to-reach groups among the profession, have been appropriately considered and that, as far as possible, particular groups of osteopaths are not adversely affected by revalidation.
How do osteopaths practise?The report How do osteopaths practise? presents the results of the work done by consultants KPMG looking into how osteopaths practise, which included a questionnaire to osteopaths and focus groups. For more information about how the data in the report was gathered see 'Sources
of information' below.
KPMG examined a number of existing sources of information including
the Register of osteopaths, CPD data, the 2009 consultation on
revalidation, the 2006/7 practice pilot survey, the NCOR report on the pilot
of the standardised data collection tool, the University of Brighton report on osteopathic patients' expectations of care and the draft report by the Draft Consortium for Delivering Osteopathic Research (CONDOR) report on claims and complaints against osteopaths.
in order to help us develop an understanding of osteopaths’ working practices, in November 2010 KPMG sent a detailed questionnaire to a representative sample of osteopaths. As we were keen to ensure that
all osteopaths had the opportunity to contribute, we also had a shorter
survey on the o zone.
KPMG had a response rate of around 25% to the detailed questionnaire, which is very encouraging. This indicates a high level of interest in regulatory matters within the profession and is a model for other professions to look to. The high response rate also means that KPMG will have a much better understanding of osteopathy, which will help to inform their evaluation and impact assessment (including costs, benefits and risks) of the proposed revalidation scheme.
In addition, KPMG held two focus groups in to explore the issues around osteopathic practice in more detail. Working with the GOsC Regional Societies, these groups were held in October 2010 in Birmingham and North Wales to allow for a geographical and socio-economic mix.