Spaces for reflective discussion are vital for effective regulation

Exploring and explaining the dynamics of osteopathic regulation, professionalism and compliance with standards in practice, commissioned by the General Osteopathic Council (GOsC) – the regulatory body for osteopaths in the UK – seeks to identify the regulatory activities that best support patient safety and enhancement of quality of care.

An independent team of academic researchers, led by Professor Gerry McGivern at Warwick Business School, has conducted research among osteopaths, patients and osteopathic organisations to explore factors that support, encourage or inhibit osteopaths from practising in accordance with the Osteopathic Practice Standards, the core standards required of UK-registered osteopaths.

The findings from the research provide important insight that can contribute to a number of aspects of the GOsC’s work including:

• The importance of engagement between the GOsC and registrants as well as patients, the public, osteopathic organisations and other health professionals, legitimising regulation and making standards effective.
• Ensuring that communication with registrants and between registrants better supports an understanding of the rationale about why standards are in place, which in turn helps professionals to better comply with them.
• The need for further guidance in some areas may better support patient safety and quality of care, for example, guidance about serious issues that should be reported to the regulator and less serious issues that should be discussed, managed and remedied with colleagues.
• The importance of building professional spaces within the regulatory framework supporting reflective discussion with colleagues. Such an approach could proactively reduce professional malpractice and isolation, support compliance with our Osteopathic Practice Standards and produce improvements in osteopathic practice overall.

GOsC Chief Executive Tim Walker said:
“This innovative research provides valuable insight and evidence on which to build effective osteopathic regulation and identify where improvements are needed.

“We also believe that the research provides supportive evidence for our new proposals for continuing professional development which will introduce a requirement for osteopaths to regularly review their practice with a professional colleague.”

To access the research report see: www.osteopathy.org.uk/news-and-resources/research-surveys/gosc-research/research-to-promote-effective-regulation

ENDS

For further information, contact:

The GOsC Press Office
Tel: 020 7357 6655 x245
Email: pressoffice@osteopathy.org.uk.

NOTES TO EDITORS

1. The research Exploring and explaining the dynamics of osteopathic regulation, professionalism and compliance with standards in practice was commissioned by the General Osteopathic Council, and was conducted by a collaborative research team including:

Professor Gerry McGivern (Warwick Business School)
Dr Michael Fischer (University of Melbourne and Saïd Business School, University of Oxford)
Dr Tomas Palaima (University of Warwick)
Ms Zoey Spendlove (University of Nottingham)
Dr Oliver Thomson (British School of Osteopathy)
Professor Justin Waring (University of Nottingham).

2. The General Osteopathic Council (GOsC) has a statutory duty to regulate the
practice of osteopathy in the UK. Osteopaths must be registered with the GOsC in order to practise in the UK.