NCOR Concerns and Complaints report
The National Council for Osteopathic Research (NCOR) collates concerns and complaints data from the General Osteopathic Council (GOsC), the professional membership body the Institute of Osteopathy (iO) and three insurers of osteopaths to create these annual independent reports. The report is unique to the osteopathic profession and provides valuable feedback for osteopaths, students and educational providers, helping to create a safer practice environment for all.
Read the latest report: NCOR Concerns and Complaints Report 2013-23
Key findings from the latest report 2013-2023
The key findings in this year’s report, updated with data collected from January to December 2023, are set out below:
Number of concerns: this latest report contains the second lowest figure since data collection began in 2013. There were 121 concerns and complaints raised in 2023, a slight reduction on the previous year’s figure of 126.
Clinical issues: The data shows an above average number of concerns about the lack, or inadequacy of, a treatment plan, and higher levels of concerns about new or increased pain, and delivery of forceful treatment.
Management: Concerns about not controlling the spread of communicable diseases were slightly above average, as were issues raised about value for money, and non-compliance with health and safety laws/regulation. (Read our infection control guidance (2025)).
Relational Issues: There was one concern raised about consent in this year’s report and slightly fewer than average concerns about communicating inappropriately or ineffectively. Concerns about sexual impropriety were higher at 15 this year, although slightly lower than the 9-year average.
It is worth noting that osteopaths who have been in practice for 10 years or more are much more likely to have a concern raised against them, a finding that is similar in other professions.
The report states ‘An increase in this number is an area of concern for all clinicians as it represents a betrayal of trust in a healthcare professional.’ For this reason GOsC is proposing mandatory CPD in the area of establishing and maintaining professional boundaries as part of the communication and consent requirement of our CPD scheme. Our consultation on proposed changes to our CPD Guidance and the Peer Discussion Review has just completed.
Key learnings for osteopaths from the latest report 2013-2023
Although the number of concerns in this latest report is the second lowest since data collection began in 2013, there are some important learnings about the kinds of issues that are leading to concerns being raised.
There were 121 concerns and complaints raised in 2023, a reduction from the previous year of 126. So there is a low likelihood that osteopaths will be complained about. However, it is important to be aware that being complained about can be part and parcel of being a professional, especially over a long career. The important point is to consider how an osteopath responds to a concern being raised. Reflecting on the approach you take to concerns to help promote resolution and learning is key. Our duty of candour report (2024) also has some useful hints and tips about how to manage and learn from concerns. It is worth noting that osteopaths who have been in practice for 10 years or more are much more likely to have a concern raised against them, a finding that is similar in other professions.
Clinical issues:
The data shows an above average number of concerns about the lack, or inadequacy of, a treatment plan, and higher levels of concerns about new or increased pain, and delivery of forceful treatment. So osteopaths could consider asking themselves questions such as: Have I been clear with patients about what to expect after treatment? Have I made it clear how the treatment will feel for the patient?
Osteopaths could try a role play with different colleagues to get feedback on approaches and how they could be tailored to different patients or new patients. Our Case-based discussion workbook has some case studies you could use to explore this area.
Management:
Concerns about not controlling the spread of communicable diseases were slightly above average, as were issues raised about value for money, and non-compliance with health and safety laws/regulation. (Read our infection control guidance (2025)).
These relate to Theme C of the Osteopathic Practice Standards – safety and quality in practice. So osteopaths could consider: reviewing the Osteopathic Practice Standards in Theme C and ensuring that their risk assessment and infection control policies are up to date and in line with relevant guidance.
Relational Issues:
There was one concern raised about consent and slightly fewer than average concerns about communicating inappropriately or ineffectively. Concerns about sexual impropriety were higher at 15 this year, although slightly lower than the 9-year average.
The report states ‘An increase in this number is an area of concern for all clinicians as it represents a betrayal of trust in a healthcare professional.’ For this reason GOsC is proposing mandatory CPD in the area of establishing and maintaining professional boundaries as part of the communication and consent requirement of our CPD scheme. Our consultation on proposed changes to our CPD Guidance and the Peer Discussion Review has just completed. We have lots of resources and case studies on our website to support learning in this area including the importance of speaking up if you have concerns.
Previous NCOR Concerns and Complaints reports:
NCOR Concerns and Complaints Report 2013-22
NCOR Concerns and Complaints Report 2013-21
NCOR Concerns and Complaints Report 2013-20
NCOR Concerns and Complaints Report 2013-19
About the National Council for Osteopathic Research
The National Council for Osteopathic Research (NCOR) was established as an independent research body for osteopathy in 2003. NCOR aims to:
- improve the osteopathic evidence base by fostering research
- increase research capacity and capability within the osteopathic profession
- raise the profile of osteopathic research findings.
NCOR is responsible for collating information about evidence relating to osteopathy and they share a range of resources for osteopaths and patients on their website.
It is funded by its stakeholder groups: the General Osteopathic Council, the Institute of Osteopathy, the Osteopathic Foundation and the UK osteopathic educational providers. NCOR's governing council includes representatives from these stakeholder groups and two co-opted members, representing private and NHS practitioners. NCOR is based at the University College of Osteopathy.
For further information visit the NCOR website.
