The Journal of the American Osteopathic Association, 2006/08, 106(8):507-508. doi: 10.7556/jaoa.2006.106.8.471, type of study: ,css,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Full text    (https://www.degruyter.com/document/doi/10.7556/jaoa.2006.106.8.471/html)

Keywords:

allopathy [25]
cross sectional study [894]
family medicine [55]
OMT [3925]
osteopathic manipulative treatment [3946]
osteopathic medicine [2108]
residency [337]
USA [1751]

Abstract:

Background: Military Medicine has a higher proportion of osteopathic physicians, including trainees, than found in civilian practice with up to one third of Family Medicine residents having graduated from osteopathic programs. Exposure to osteopathic residents frequently inspires interest in Osteopathic Manipulative Techniques (OMT) in their allopathic colleagues. Previous studies have demonstrated that allopathic residents can be trained in a defined set of osteopathic principles and skills. Based on both resident desire and demonstrated success at other facilities, the decision was made to establish an elective rotation in OMT. However, an insufficient number of osteopaths on faculty made successful implementation difficult. Methods: A survey was developed to assess allopathic residents' interest in learning OMT principles and skills. At the completion of the survey, the sole osteopathic faculty member at the Naval Hospital Jacksonville Family Medicine Residency Program established a curriculum for a one month elective in OMT. The curriculum was composed of didactic and procedural instruction by both in-house resources and a proposed community-based osteopathic preceptor. A survey was developed to assess allopathic residents' knowledge and perceived skill in OMT both prior to the rotation and at its completion. Results: Based on initial survey results, 91% of allopathic residents reported an interest in learning OMT principles and skills. One community-based osteopathic family physician was identified, who frequently uses OMT techniques, and a Memorandum of Understanding was established. Allopathic residents were offered the newly established OMT rotation. Eight of 11 allopathic residents have elected to participate in this rotation as part of their educational experience in Family Medicine. Conclusion: Previous research has demonstrated that family medicine graduates desire more confidence in managing musculoskeletal issues. Exposure to osteopathic physicians prompts interest in allopathic physicians to learn OMT principles and skills. In an allopathic family medicine residency program, with limited osteopathic faculty support, community-based preceptors can be successfully incorporated into a curriculum for OMT.