17 minute read
Osteopathy Australia news
OSTEOPATHY AUSTRALIA AIMS TO SUPPORT, ENHANCE AND PROMOTE THE PROFESSION. HERE’S A QUICK RECAP OF EVERYTHING OSTEO FROM THE PAST FEW MONTHS.
New Board Director for Osteopathy Australia
Osteopathy Australia is delighted to welcome Don Hunter as an Osteopathic Board Director. Don brings a passion for research and an understanding of the challenges faced by practitioners and clients in regional and rural Australia, experience he hopes will be invaluable in developing the profession not just in core metropolitan hubs, but in the regions as well. Here, Don explains why he believes that research is vital to the future of osteopathy, the need to find more pathways for osteopaths to get involved in research, and tells us about his personal mission to investigate sustainable strategies to lure more osteopaths to regional Australia!
“I originally trained and worked as a teacher before studying osteopathy, graduating in 2003 from the University of Western Sydney.
Initially, I worked in Newcastle for over 16 years, including running my own practice in New Lambton for 10 years. I then moved to Tamworth, regional NSW, where I have been practising for over two years. I recently submitted my PhD, which investigates the relationship between thoracic posture and shoulder impingement syndrome. As a passionate osteopathic clinician, I understand the value of research performed by osteopaths. More osteopaths doing research will enable better clinical outcomes for clients and will give osteopathy as a profession a louder voice in the healthcare landscape.
Tamworth is the largest regional town in North West NSW. However, I am the first osteopath in more than a decade to work in the region and there is only one other osteopath for the next 200km in any direction. It is common for patients to travel more than an hour for treatment. During my time in this regional area, it has been very rewarding to find a greater collaboration between allied health professionals and the medical profession in the name of better patient outcomes.
In my view, the two issues of research and workforce distribution are, in fact, interrelated. More osteopaths in rural and regional areas can only occur with the availability of more university courses for osteopathy. However, universities are attracted to professions with great research cultures. While osteopaths are producing some research, the amount of published research is small and, as such, it has been difficult to get universities interested in osteopathy.
The more research a profession adds to the healthcare environment, the more credibility it has in the government’s eyes and the more input osteopathy can have in the allied healthcare space. This would allow Osteopathy Australia to better lobby government and have a greater say (as a profession) in conversations regarding, for example, Medicare, third-party insurance, private health and the NDIS.
At an individual level, doing research, no matter how small, will improve the clinical outcome for patients, improve the individual as an osteopathic clinician, and give that practitioner greater standing within their immediate healthcare community. Osteopaths have a unique approach to healthcare and, as such, have much to offer research.”
Osteopathy Australia launches new consumer website whatisosteo.com
Osteopathy Australia has launched a new consumer website –www.whatisosteo.com – to promote osteopathy and showcase the work of osteopaths to the general public. The site includes an interactive body map and consumer-friendly information about all the things osteopaths may be able to help with.
This is just the start! More health and wellbeing content, with more information on conditions and healthy living using the whole-body approach, will be added over time as the website builds and grows.
Notes from the Association
ANTONY NICHOLAS, CHIEF EXECUTIVE, OSTEOPATHY AUSTRALIA
As another financial year clicks over and we commence a new membership year, we hopefully can focus on interesting things for the future rather than COVID. We hope COVID and its negative impact on workforce, infected osteopaths and cancelled patient attendance will gradually reduce. Certainly, it appears lockdowns are finally an obsolete strategy.
We understand, for individual osteopaths or whole businesses, readjusting and recovery from the impact of COVID has reduced energies, engagement, or willingness to risk face-to-face events. We have seen the impact across many other associations and even when trying to run our own face-to-face events. We will continue to test risk and willingness to engage in face-to-face events over the rest of this year, but it appears unlikely that we will be running a national conference in the next 18 months.
Luckily, Osteopathy Australia has always been innovative in ensuring our services are equitable across a nationwide cloudbased platform. That allows members, wherever you are, to access CPD, live webinars or eLearning modules. Likewise, you can access our information or advice either online or over the telephone, or access HR advice whether you are a business owner or an employee. As a membership organisation, guaranteeing safe, easy access to credible information and advice is one of our key priorities.
While we continually improve what we already do, I’m always excited about what’s new or what we are developing. Having launched a new consumer-facing osteopathy website (see above), we are now developing a better member-facing website. This will be a great portal to access information and resources. We hope this will be live before the next edition of Osteo Life. Our aim is to streamline processes such as renewals and simplify registering for free online events, changing your details, or finding better ways to promote your business. Another key feature of the new website will be the way you can search, more like Google, to find important information you want.
After numerous delays due to COVID, we are currently conducting a member survey to better understand what are your top priorities, what you want us to develop, the services you may be missing or wanting more of, and your ideas for how to advance the profession. Find out more about how you can have your say on page 6.
As always, thank you for supporting Osteopathy Australia and we look forward to improving and doing more exciting things, for you, into the future.
Updated Graduate Guide 2022
The Osteopathy Australia Graduate Guide, updated for 2022, is available for final-year student and graduate members to help them transition into practice. It includes a step-by-step guide on what you need to do, and where to get more information, support and help. It has everything you need to know – from the scope of practice and the business of osteopathy to working as a locum vs. an employee, understanding private health funds, and your CPD obligations.
Access the Graduate Guide at www.osteopathy. org.au/membershipbenefits/graduatemembership-1 or scan the QR code.
NEWS IN BRIEF
Leo Di Giorgio appointed AHPA policy officer
Osteopath Leo Di Giorgio has been appointed policy officer at Allied Health Professions Australia (AHPA) to help boost visibility of allied health professionals within the healthcare system. His work will involve working with AHPA members to scope current data availability and identify what should be collected for a national minimum database to address the fact allied health is very poorly integrated into existing national data collection processes. He’ll also convene AHPA’s Mental Health Working Group, which broadly advocates for more diverse allied health service provision to help address the present mental health crisis.
Thank you and a fond farewell to Peter Lalli
After seven years as a loud and proud voice for osteopathy, Peter Lalli, Senior Policy Officer at Osteopathy Australia, is moving to pastures new. Osteopathy is in a better place today through Peter’s dedication, passion, hard work, constant policy nagging and advocacy. A big ‘thank you’ to Peter from everyone on the team – we wish him the best in his new adventure in the medical college space.
Have your say!
Take the Osteopathy Australia member survey We need your help! Tell us your opinions, desires for the profession, and what you want us to prioritise in our lobbying efforts and services. Responses are fully confidential and anonymous. The survey findings will be shared with members and are incredibly useful for individual osteopaths and businesses on a range of issues like fees, practice, lobbying, CPD and the future of the profession. Note we do not receive and nor would we ever share individual responses.
As a token of appreciation for completing the survey, you may choose to enter your name into a draw to receive a $250 Myer gift voucher. Three winners will be chosen. Only fully completed surveys will be eligible for the draw. To access the survey, scan the QR code or visit surveymonkey.com/ r/OAMember2022
International Osteopathic Healthcare Week 2022
Osteopathy Australia’s media campaign for International Osteopathic Healthcare Week 2022 was based on new market research conducted specifically for the awareness week. This research asked participants a number of health and wellbeing questions relating to work and life habits and concerns of adults aged 18 and above, including ergonomics, exercise and pain.
The awareness week, which ran from 18-24 April this year, aims to promote and raise the profile of osteopathy. The association’s campaign secured more than 134 items of coverage in broadcast, online and print media, reaching an estimated 8.8 million Australians, which represents an Advertising Value Equivalent of $291,000.
Campaign highlights included national TV coverage with 10 News First, which was syndicated to more than 20 stations, reaching over 1.6 million people. The audio news release (ANR) was picked up by 25 stations across the country and syndicated to a further 46 stations while broadcast media was syndicated to 35 stations.
In tandem with the media campaign, this year’s social media campaign, running across all of the association’s digital channels, including Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn, focused on promoting Osteopathy Australia’s newly launched consumer website www.whatisosteo.com (see page 5), and specifically the association’s ‘Find an Osteo’ feature to promote members’ profiles and encourage consumers to book an appointment to see an osteopath.
As part of the social media campaign, Osteopathy Australia also created a digital kit for members to download an extensive suite of resources for sharing on their own social media channels, to help amplify the messaging throughout the awareness week and beyond.
April Falls Month
Castle Hill Osteopathic Clinic visited Anglicare Retirement Village in Castle Hill during April Falls Month to raise awareness about the impact of falls in the older population and to promote fall prevention strategies among residents.
Luke Gillogly and Jackson Lee provided information on osteopathy and how it can help older people staying mobile and safe. This included helping them to understand the ageing process, and how to protect and/or improve their mobility as they age to mitigate some of the effects of having less flexibility and joint fluid, reduced muscle tissue, and stiffer or eroding cartilage between bones in joints.
Face-to-face at last!
We were delighted to finally resume face-to-face events at the new Victoria University City Campus in Melbourne with our first post-COVID workshop on spinal surgery, pain intervention and exercise therapy.
During the workshop, Keat Ooi (orthopaedic and spine surgeon), Bruce Mitchell (interventional pain physician), and Paul Hermann (osteopath and exercise/sports scientist) covered:
The latest evidence in spinal surgery;
How to triage for spinal surgery;
Pre-surgical assessment protocols;
The latest on restorative neurostimulation and pain procedures;
Post-surgical exercise rehabilitation protocols and ideas for function rehabilitation and exercise therapy.
Huge thanks to all our presenters for giving up their time and their speaker fees for a great cause, and for their generosity in sharing their knowledge. With 20 members attending, there was plenty of time for hands-on experience and discussions. Here is just some of the feedback we received following the event:
This workshop was very engaging and thought-provoking. There were elements presented that definitely challenged my treatment style and thinking. Extremely relevant to daily osteo practice: 1) in medical content, current methodologies 2) practical takeaways to help patients 3) thinking outside of the box for patient problems + treatment options. Very interactive. I found the information very important and interesting. Definitely going away with new ideas. Love how everything was connected. It was a good balance of theory and practice. I really enjoyed the case examples.
Kinetic Link Training
2-day workshop on 13-14 August 2022. Brisbane CBD with Wayne Rodgers, Sports and Exercise Physiotherapist.
Kinetic Link Training (KLT) is a systematic approach to full-body, functional strength training and movement restoration. $750 for Osteopathy Australia members. Book your place at bit.ly/KLTWorkshop2022
Applications open for Osteopathy Australia Research Foundation Grants 2022
Osteopathy Australia is now accepting applications for its 2022 Research Foundation Grants.
This is the third year that Osteopathy Australia will be running its research grant scheme, which aims to promote, encourage, and support research that advances osteopathy and promotes the profession. We’ve funded several projects over the past couple of rounds and have seen incredibly strong applications each year. We are even more excited to see what projects are submitted this year.
Applicants should consider the following points when preparing applications: Alignment with Osteopathy Australia’s research priorities;
Capacity and credibility of the investigative team;
Collaboration;
Research design and methodology;
Significance, innovation and impact of the research project;
Potential for future funding and budget justification;
Overall feasibility.
Project and seeding grants are available valued at up to $12,500 and $5,000, respectively. Seed funding is granted for research projects that can achieve a tangible outcome within 12 months of receipt of grant funds. Project funding is granted for research projects that can achieve a tangible outcome within 24 months of receipt of grant funds.
The number of grants awarded will depend on the quality and number of applications received.
Applications close 5pm AEST on 26 August 2022.
More information on the grants scheme, including forms and guidelines, can be found at www.osteopathy.org.au/ research/research-grants
To find out more, contact Shamona Eaves, Osteopathy Australia’s Senior Research and Project Officer, on 02 9410 0099 or via email at seaves@osteopathy.org.au
Global study of osteopaths reveals ambitious, adaptable workforce
A newly released survey of allied health practitioners has found nearly all osteopathy practices have weathered the COVID-19 pandemic, embracing telehealth and savvy business strategies to support clients and keep their doors open.
The study was undertaken by practice management software company Cliniko, which surveyed 2,654 allied health professionals from 34 countries as part of celebrations to mark the company’s 10th anniversary.
As well as exploring people’s experiences of the pandemic, the project also scoped some of the biggest challenges facing allied health practitioners – and some of the creative ways they are supporting patients and growing their businesses.
Telehealth here to stay Cliniko founder, Joel Friedlaender, said the survey highlights some of the ways the allied health sector has stayed ahead of the curve, despite the challenges arising during COVID-19. “The pandemic has changed so much about our lives, including the way we access healthcare. A lot of people were surprised professions like osteopathy can be effective via telehealth, but the past two years have shifted these perceptions,” he said.
Almost one-third of osteopaths offered telehealth consultations during COVID restrictions, allowing a majority of staff to continue working throughout the pandemic and helping to keep businesses operating. In Australia, the use of telehealth increased by more than double (2.6 times) over the last couple of years.
Impacts of COVID The study found that less than 3% of practices shut their doors for good during the pandemic.
Despite the challenges, the allied health workforce appears settled. Overall, just 15% of respondents were looking to leave their job in the next year, with threequarters of osteopaths saying that they are satisfied with their position.
“We know that COVID-19 has placed a lot of additional pressures on healthcare workers, so it’s very positive to learn that so many practitioners have adapted and are still progressing with their work,” Mr Friedlaender said. Day-to-day challenges The study shows that allied health workers are juggling a variety of responsibilities. One-quarter of practices said they don’t employ any administrators and nearly half do not have a bookkeeper. Nearly twothirds said they do not outsource any roles or employ a practice manager.
Unsurprisingly, this means that time management is a commonly cited challenge. More than 11% of those surveyed said they struggle to find the time to complete administrative tasks and 6% reported feeling a general sense of not having enough time.
When it comes to treating patients, osteopaths that contributed to the survey reported that half of their patients require an average of three to four treatments to resolve physical complaints, while nearly one-quarter need five to six treatments.
Ambitious workforce Cliniko found that osteopaths have particularly ambitious goals by allied health standards, with 40% of respondents aspiring to run their own practice in the future. This figure trails behind only chiropractors and myotherapists.
Of the osteopaths surveyed, one-quarter said they aim to achieve senior practitioner status in future.
While individuals clearly aspire to advance their careers, overall, the study found that people felt they were well remunerated. Employers said that they are mostly negotiating salaries well above the minimum salary – a claim backed up by employees, with people that work in these practices describing their salary as above average or excellent.
Growing businesses One unexpected finding showed that allied health practices are embracing business coaches to become more effective at the non-clinical elements of their work. Approximately one-third of osteopaths reported engaging a coach, and cited growing their business and business mentoring as the primary motivation.
This could potentially reflect gaps in the way clinicians are prepared for their careers. Cliniko notes that, while practitioner education predominantly prepares them for the care of their patients, there is very little in their education about the business side of private practice.
The data shows that word of mouth is key to growing allied health businesses, accounting for most new referrals to many services. Patient referrals were found to be particularly valuable for osteopaths, with 40% of new clients coming through personal recommendations.
Read the full findings of the study at:
Part 1. bit.ly/3lQXVqx
Part 2. bit.ly/3MYDHqS
How did COVID-19 restrictions impact your staffing?
All continued to work
All staff continued to work. More staff were hired once restrictions were lifted
All staff continued to work with reduced hours
All staff were furloughed but returned
Some staff were furloughed but returned
Some staff were let go
Not applicable
Other
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