The AAO Journal, 2013/12, 23(4):14-20, type of study: ,css,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Free full text   (https://www.academyofosteopathy.org/aaoj)

Keywords:

medical education [684]
OMT [3924]
osteopathic manipulative treatment [3945]

Abstract:

Context: To maintain the identity of the osteopathic community, it is crucial to have programs that encourage osteopathic medical students to utilize OMT. The Student American Academy of Osteopathy (SAAO) Summer Preceptorship Program is a unique program that focuses on giving clinical OMT exposure to second-year students. Objective: To determine if participation in the SAAO Summer Preceptorship Program affected students’ perceptions of OMT and likelihood of integration of OMT into students’ future medical practice. Design: Survey Setting: New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine (NYIT-COM) Participants: Second-year osteopathic medical students Main Outcome Measure: We measured the interpretations of OMT using Likert scales reported by the participants. Method: Fifty participants were administered a paper survey containing 12 multiple-choice and five open-ended questions regarding their perceptions of OMT and experiences with the program. Results: Thirty students completed the survey. Twenty-nine students had an improved confidence level and understanding of the clinical application with using OMT; one was undecided. Twenty-nine students were more likely to integrate OMT into their future practice; one was undecided. Twenty-seven students had an expanded awareness of what conditions can be treated with OMT; three were undecided. Twenty-nine students had an overall positive perception of OMT; one was undecided. Conclusions: The SAAO Summer Preceptorship Program had a positive effect on students’ perception of OMT and likelihood of integration of OMT into their future medical practice. Follow-up study is warranted to determine actual effects on future utilization of OMT in clinical practice. IRB: Approved by NYIT IRB. IRB # BHS970. (8/20/2013)