Scope of Practice – we want your views

The scope of osteopathic practice has been a contentious topic throughout the history of the osteopathic profession. This issue came to the fore in the UK in 2009, when the GOsC produced the draft Osteopathic Practice Framework document, at the request of the Department of Health.  The GOsC document caused much concern and debate within the profession.  In response, the attached Scope of Osteopathic Practice discussion document was written by the osteopathic postgraduate institutions listed on the front cover. 

We believe that the Scope of Practice should be determined by the profession and that it should be a simple, clear statement of the fundamental osteopathic concept to which all osteopaths can subscribe.  The essential question is can you practise ‘your’ osteopathy freely under this description? 

We have been in discussions with the GOsC and have shared the document with the osteopathic undergraduate colleges.  We wish now to involve the profession in the debate and are seeking your views.

Once we have your views and comments we plan to meet further with all the osteopathic stakeholders to agree appropriate next steps.  Your feedback will help to determine how it is best for all of us to move forward. 

If you are a student, to have your say, please go to http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/scopestudents - and complete the short survey.

The osteopaths’ survey is: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/scopeofpractice    

For the passwords for both surveys please contact either a href="mailto:boa@osteopathy.org">boa@osteopathy.org>  or telephone 01582 488455, stating whether you are an osteopath or student.

You can also reach the survey through scope.shapingosteopathy.org  where you can also comment on each section in detail.  

Alternatively, you can e-mail us at consultation@apdc.org.uk.

We look forward to hearing what you think.

Nicholas Handoll

Coordinator for APDC (Association of Professional Development Colleges)