B. Knowledge, skills and performance

1. These should include:
   1. an understanding of osteopathic philosophy, principles and concepts of health, illness and disease and the ability to apply this knowledge critically, in the care of patients
   2. a knowledge of human structure and function sufficient to inform appropriate care
   3. a knowledge of pathophysiological processes sufficient to inform clinical judgement and to identify where patients may require additional or alternative investigation or treatment from another healthcare professional
   4. an understanding of the psychological and social influences on health, sufficient to inform clinical decision-making and patient care
   5. an awareness of the principles and applications of scientific enquiry and the ability to critically evaluate scientific information and data to inform osteopathic care
   6. an understanding of the principles of biomechanics sufficient to apply osteopathic treatment safely and effectively
   7. well-developed palpatory skills
   8. an understanding of the characteristics of the normal and abnormal functioning of different body tissues and systems to inform the interpretation of clinical findings
   9. the ability to determine changes in health and function by the appropriate use of observation, palpation, motion and clinical evaluation
   10. problem-solving and thinking skills in order to inform and guide the interpretation of clinical and other data and to justify clinical reasoning and decision-making
   11. the ability to protect yourself physically and psychologically during interactions with patients to maintain your own health
   12. the ability to critically appraise your own osteopathic practice. For example, this could be achieved through:
       1. self-reflection
       2. feedback from patients
       3. feedback from colleagues
       4. case analysis or clinical audit.

1. You should use your professional judgement to assess whether you have the training, skills and competence to treat a patient, seeking advice where necessary.
2. If not, you should consider:
   1. seeking advice or assistance from an appropriate source to support your care for the patient
   2. working with other osteopaths and healthcare professionals to secure the most appropriate care for your patient
   3. referring the patient to another osteopath or appropriately qualified healthcare professional.
3. Working within your competence also applies if you work within the fields of education and research.

1. To achieve this, you should:
   1. their rights as a patient, including the right to have a chaperone present and to stop the examination or treatment at any time
   2. what they can realistically expect from you as an osteopath.
2. be professionally engaged, undertaking professional development activities and complying with GOsC requirements regarding continuing professional development
3. keep up to date with factors relevant to your practice, including:

-GOsC guidance -legal requirements or changes to the law in relation to your practice, for example, in relation to data storage (see standard C3), health and safety in the workplace (see standard C5) and equality issues (see standard D6) -research and other relevant developments in healthcare.

1. To achieve this you will need to have sufficient knowledge and ability to collect and analyse information and evidence about your practice to support both patient care and your own professional development.