Review of the year p4 - Home - General Osteopathic Council · 2014-03-25 · GOsC Committee business. Chair/Chief Executive and Registrar ext 246 ... rather than a directional role

The magazine for osteopaths

Aug/Sept 2013 | Volume 16 | Issue 4 | £3.50 | ISSN 1466-4984

> How is theGOsC fundingdevelopment? p6

> Meet ournew Head ofRegulation p7

> Does youradvertisingfit the bill?p12

Review of theyear p4

key con

tacts

The General Osteopathic CouncilOsteopathy House176 Tower Bridge RoadLondon SE1 3LUtel | 020 7357 6655 email | [email protected]

Chair of Council: Alison WhiteChief Executive and Registrar: Tim Walker

GOsC staff contacts

Gina Baidoo (ext 238)Senior Professional [email protected]

Fiona Browne (ext 239)Head of Professional [email protected]

Brenda Buckingham (ext 256)Senior Registration [email protected]

Ben Chambers (ext 229)Registration [email protected]

Alan Currie (ext 255)Head of MIS [email protected]

Marcus Dye (ext 240)Professional Standards [email protected]

Sarah Eldred (ext 245)Communications [email protected]

David Gomez (ext 248)Head of Regulation [email protected]

Kellie Green (ext 236)Regulation [email protected]

Priya Lakhani (ext 249)Regulation [email protected]

Suzanne Miller (ext 222)Senior Communications [email protected]

Monika Obara / Meera Burgess(ext 235)Professional Standards [email protected]

Margot Pinder (ext 228)Web [email protected]

Matthew Redford (ext 231)Head of Finance andAdministration and Acting Head of [email protected]

Abdul Saadeddin (ext 251)Facilities [email protected]

Marcia Scott (ext 246)Assistant to Chief Executive and Council and ExecutiveSupport [email protected]

Vanissa Tailor (ext 224)Regulation [email protected]

Brigid Tucker (ext 247)Head of Policy [email protected]

Sonia van Heerden (ext 242)Information [email protected]

Key GOsC services

Communications and Osteopathic Information Service ext 222 / 242 / 245 / 228

Enquiries about conferences, workshops and events, The Osteopath, GOsC websites, Certification Mark, the media, NHS, publication orders (including GPconsent forms and statements of fitness to work),presentation material, Regional CommunicationsNetwork, consultations, NCOR.

Professional Standards ext 238 / 235 / 240

Enquiries about continuing professionaldevelopment, osteopathic education, standards ofpractice, Assessments of Clinical Competence,Recognised Qualification process.

Finance and Administration ext 231

Enquiries about registration fees, VAT, payments.

Public Affairs ext 245 / 247

Enquiries about national healthcare policy,parliamentary and international affairs.

Registration ext 229 / 256

Enquiries about annual renewal of registration,updating your Register details, non-practising status,practising abroad, graduate registration,retiring/resigning from the Register, professionalindemnity insurance.

Regulation ext 224 / 249 / 236

Enquiries about the Osteopathic Practice Standardsdealing with patient concerns, ethical guidance andconsent forms, fitness to practise, Protection of Title.

Governance ext 246

Enquiries about Council members and meetings,GOsC Committee business.

Chair /Chief Executive and Registrar ext 246

page 2 | the osteopath magazine | Aug/Sept 2013

www.facebook.com/goscnews

twitter.com/gosc_uk

Welcome to the new edition ofThe OsteopathWhile the weather this summer has certainlypicked up, be assured that the GOsC has not beenresting on its laurels. So what have we been up to?

On page 4, you can read highlights from ourAnnual Report which outlines our activities thisyear and sets out what we have planned for theyear ahead.

On page 12 we discuss how you can ensure thatyour website and publications meet AdvertisingStandards Authority guidelines. Meanwhile, on page11 find out how you can give us your feedback onthe quality of osteopathic education in the UK.

Also, are you wondering how many osteopaths arenow on the Register, where they’re based, theirage, gender? Well wonder no further; simply turnto page 14 where we have included some statisticsfor your interest.

Finally, work continues apace as we move closertowards a continuing fitness to practise schemeand we will be asking you for your views again inthe coming months.

We hope you enjoy reading this edition!

Suzanne MillerEditor

GOsC news 4> Review of the year 4> Supporting development 6> GOsC receives positive performance review 7> New Head of Regulation appointed 7> GOsC introduces data retention policy 8> How long should fitness to practise decisions

stay on public record? 8> Shaping continuing fitness to practise 8> Changing landscape, changing name: the evolution

of revalidation 9> Can osteopaths countersign passport applications? 10> New recruits to ensure continuing standards 10> Seeking osteopaths to serve on the GOsC

Investigating Committee 10> Is the quality of osteopathic education up to

scratch? 11> Oxford Brookes University to close osteopathy

courses 11> Does your advertising fit the bill? 12> Brushing up our Welsh 12> In Council – key decisions 13> Look who’s talking? 13> Did you know? 14> Frequently Asked Questions 15

research 16> IJOM Journal summaries 16> British School of Osteopathy Research

Symposium 17> Research hub news 17> Conference calendar 17> Research ideas 18

in practice 21> New European osteopathy website 21> Developing NHS osteopathy in Wales 22> O Canada! 23> Backchat 24> Bookshelf 24> Book reviews 25> Courses 2013 26

marketplace 28> Classifieds 28

Volume 16 | Issue 4 | Aug/Sept 2013

The Osteopath is the official journal ofthe General Osteopathic Council.

Editor: Suzanne Miller

Email: [email protected]

The Osteopath is published by theGeneral Osteopathic Council. Editorialcontributions are welcome, but opinionsexpressed by contributors or advertisersdo not necessarily reflect the views ofthe publishers. The Osteopath is thecopyright of the General OsteopathicCouncil and no part of this journal maybe reproduced in any form withoutpermission from the publishers.

Design: Axiom Partners

Send editorial to:General Osteopathic Council Osteopathy House 176 Tower Bridge Road London SE1 3LU

Email: [email protected]: 020 7357 6655

The publishers reserve the right torefuse any editorial contributions oradvertisements without explanation,and copy may be edited for length and clarity.

Advertising sales only:The Advertisement ManagerWealden PrintingCowden Close Horns RoadHawkhurstKent TN18 4QT

Tel: 01580 753 322Fax: 01580 754 104Email: [email protected]

the osteopath magazine | Aug/Sept 2013 | page 3

con

tents

|A

ug

/Sep

t 20

13

Fee reductionThe GOsC has reduced the registration feelevels. This is the second year in a row thatwe have done this which has seen theheadline registration fee fall from £750 lastyear to £675 this year. For details of howyour registration fee is spent, see theopposite page.

Continuing fitness topractiseIn line with government requirementsthat all regulated health professions mustmeet, we are developing a continuingfitness to practise scheme to helposteopaths prove that they meet our corestandards for registration – theOsteopathic Practice Standards – and tocontribute to continuous enhancement ofpatient care.

Our revalidation pilot, which concluded inlate 2012, was completed by 263osteopaths – approximately 1 in 18registrants. While the exercise was ofbenefit to patients and practitioners, it wasclear that the process would need to besimplified. The pilot findings will be usedto help develop the new continuingfitness to practise scheme in 2013-14.However, the new scheme will requirefurther consultation before it can befinalised and implemented.

Alongside this, we consulted on potentialimprovements to our CPD scheme andreceived well over 400 responses fromosteopaths and others. These findings willalso feed into the development of thenew continuing fitness to practisescheme.

Developing the professionIn the summer of 2012, the GOsC alongwith the British Osteopathic Association,the Council of Osteopathic EducationalInstitutions and the Osteopathic Alliance,held a series of events around the countryto discuss further development of theprofession and osteopathic practice.

Arising from this, a working group of thesefour organisations and the NationalCouncil for Osteopathic Research, hascommenced a programme of work oneight projects to support thedevelopment of the profession. Theseprojects are in the areas of:

> Collecting data on patient reportedoutcome measures data and adverseevents reporting

> Developing service quality standards.> Quality assurance and accreditation of

advanced/specialist practice> Enhancing regional CPD/support

mechanisms> Providing high-quality mentoring for

recent graduates> Career development through the

establishment of an ‘OsteopathicFellowship’

> Leadership development within theprofession

> International collaboration and bestpractice.

The GOsC will continue to facilitate apartnership/collaborative approach to thiswork, rather than a directional role.

Facts and figuresThe Annual Report also sets out a range ofinformation about other work including:> The number of new registrations,

leavers and retirements> Activity to protect the title of

‘osteopath’> The number of complaints about

osteopaths received by the GOsC, howthey were dealt with and the outcomes

> Our education quality assuranceactivity.

Key projects for 2013-14In December 2012, Council approved anew three-year Corporate Plan for theperiod 2013-16, based on three high-levelstrategic objectives:

1. To promote public and patient safetythrough proportionate, targeted andeffective regulatory activity

2. To encourage and facilitate continuousimprovement in the quality ofosteopathic healthcare

3. To use our resources efficiently andeffectively, while adapting andresponding to change in the externalenvironment.

The Corporate Plan 2013-16 sets out thegoals of the GOsC over the next threeyears and the supporting activities aimedat meeting those goals. The CorporatePlan can be found on the GOsC websiteat: www.osteopathy.org.uk

The GOsC’s Business Plan for 2013-14,which implements the first year of theCorporate Plan, includes the followingactivities:

Osteopathic Practice Standards> We will continue to develop online

CPD resources to ensure that allosteopaths are familiar with and adhereto the Osteopathic Practice Standards.

Review of the year GOsC financial report for 2012-13The GOsC’s Annual Report and Accounts sets out our key activities over the financial year 2012-13. Here we offer a review of what has been achieved, including a breakdown of how yourannual registration fee is spent. For full details, the Annual Report and Accounts is available todownload from the o zone and from our public website at: www.osteopathy.org.uk

GO

sC n

ews

|Review

of the year


How is your registration fee spent?The following is a breakdown of how the headline registration fee(£675) is being spent according to function within the GOsC,together with a brief explanation of each function’s key activity.

GO

sC n

ews

|Review

of the year


Continuing fitness to practise> We will develop proposals on

continuing fitness to practise forconsultation, drawing on the findingsof the revalidation pilot and our reviewof CPD.

Registration> We will promote public awareness of

the Register, including thedevelopment of a new certificationmark.

Development of the profession> We will work with the BOA, COEI, OA

and NCOR to support the developmentof the osteopathic profession.

Francis report> We will incorporate relevant

recommendations from the FrancisInquiry report into our work.

Research> We will continue to support NCOR to

develop research and data collectionwithin osteopathy.

Finance and governance> We will continue to seek to reduce the

costs of regulation and pass on thesavings to registrants.

> We will continue to engage with theLaw Commission on proposed changesto legislation and commence a scopingstudy on the transition to new rules.

Communications and engagement> We will undertake research into public

and patient perceptions of osteopathicregulation to identify opportunities forimprovement in our publiccommunications.

> We will engage with the osteopathicprofession on a new continuing fitnessto practise scheme and other changesproposed by the GOsC.

International standards> We will continue to work with our

European partners and with theEuropean Committee forStandardisation on the development ofEurope-wide standards for osteopathy.

> We will continue to supportinternational regulatory collaborationthrough the Osteopathic InternationalAlliance.

Fitness to practise, including legal:encompasses fitness to practiseprocesses and illegal practiceprosecutions, along with setting andreviewing standards and providinglegal advice to the Council and theprofession as a whole.

Administration and establishment:covers the costs of running theorganisation, including facilities,service contracts, Audit fees and non-attributable staff costs.

Governance: Council and itsCommittees.

IT infrastructure: investment in thisensures that the GOsC has up-to-dateand robust websites and IT services.

Registration: maintaining theintegrity of the Register for the benefitand protection of patients, the publicand professionals, processingapplications for registration fromqualified professionals and aiming toensure the smooth operation of therenewal of registration process.

Communications, research anddevelopment: covers all ways inwhich the GOsC communicates withosteopaths and the public (includingonline, print publications and events),and contributes to the developmentof the profession including throughresearch activities.

Education and professionalstandards includes ongoing review ofstandards of education, practice andcontinuing professional development(CPD).

Income and expenditureThe financial statements report asurplus position of £374,460 afterdesignated spending of £38,444 onspecific one-off projects andcorporation tax. This surplus wasgreater than forecast for two reasons:first, a lower than expected volume ofcases in our fitness to practiseproceedings; second, as a result ofcontinuing efforts to identify andimplement cost-savings measuresacross the organisation.

Communications,research anddevelopment£139.05 (20.60%)

Registration £35.91 (5.32%)

IT infrastructure £27.81 (4.12%)

Fitness to practise,including legal£138.30 (20.49%)

Administration and

establishment£149.18 (22.10%)

Governance £65.07 (9.64%)

Education and professionalstandards £119.68 (17.73%)

TOTAL£675

£139.05

£138.30

£149.18

£65.07£35.91

£27.81

£119.68

In previous issues of The Osteopath, wereported that the GOsC is working with across-professional group – including theBritish Osteopathic Association (BOA), theCouncil of Osteopathic EducationalInstitutions (COEI), the National Council forOsteopathic Research (NCOR), and theOsteopathic Alliance (OA) – on a range ofprojects aimed at supporting thedevelopment of the profession. Theseprojects are in eight areas: evidence; servicestandards; advanced practice; regionalsupport; mentoring; career development;leadership; and international collaboration.

The GOsC Council will provide financialsupport for projects that meet thefollowing criteria:

> Developmental: the outcome wouldmean a clear development inosteopathic education, training orpractice that aims to deliver ameasurable and continuousimprovement to the quality or safety ofosteopathic healthcare.

> Public and patient benefit: theinitiative clearly benefits patients or thepublic by enhancing the quality andsafety of osteopathic care.

> Cross-professional applicability: theproject benefits the whole professionand not just a particular group orgroups of practitioners.

> Collaboration: initiatives should involvemultiple partners rather than a singleorganisation, and the contribution ofthose involved (financial or in-kind)should be clearly defined.

> Clarity of outcome: projects will onlybe considered for support if theyinclude a clear plan for how the projectoutcomes are to be achieved and

disseminated across the osteopathicprofession.

At the moment, funding will only beavailable for projects that are being takenforward by the organisations listed above.Support for other projects may be possiblein the future, but this will depend on thesuccess of the initial projects and the fundsavailable.

We are unable to provide support forinitiatives that only promote commercialor sectoral interests of osteopathic serviceprovision. This would be consideredpromotional activity andthis is not allowed underthe Osteopaths Act.

It is hoped that by theGOsC providing somefunding, these projectswill progress morequickly and the benefitsto patients and theprofession can berealised.

The funding will comefrom the GOsC’s reserves.These are currently at a

healthy level due to cost-saving measuresover the past two years.

The individual projects are being takenforward by small working groups,including members drawn from the BOA,COEI, GOsC, NCOR and OA.

If you want to know more about howeach organisation is involved, pleasecontact them directly. For moreinformation about the developmentprojects and their funding, pleasecontact the GOsC.

Supportingdevelopment projectsThe GOsC Council agreed at its meeting in June that it would be willing to providefinancial support for development projects that have been identified by theprofession as a priority.


GO

sC n

ews

|Sup

porting

develop

ment p

rojects

You can share your views directly with any of the organisations involved:

British Osteopathic Association Email: [email protected]

Council of Osteopathic Educational Institutions Email: [email protected]

General Osteopathic Council Email: [email protected]

National Council for Osteopathic Research www.ncor.org.uk/contact-us

Osteopathic Alliance Email: [email protected]

N C O ROsteopathic Research

National Council for

The PSA’s annual Performance Reviewreport 2012/13 was published in June thisyear and concluded that the GOsCcontinues to maintain its effectiveness asa regulator and is meeting all theStandards of Good Regulation across itsregulatory functions.

Key achievements noted by the PSA overthe last year include:

> GOsC activity to raise and testawareness of the new OsteopathicPractice Standards;

> Establishment of a Patient and PublicPartnership Group to provide patientand public perspectives aboutstandards and guidance, and assist inthe development of communicationmaterials;

> Creation of a steering group (withprofessional, educational andosteopathic research bodies in the UK)to promote the development of theprofession;

> Collaboration with NCOR and the BOAto establish a repository of informationabout risks in osteopathic care, to helpinform the development of additionalstandards and guidance.

The full performance review report isavailable on the PSA’s website at:http://tinyurl.com/okeu94b The GOsC’s review can be found insection 14 on pages 61-66.

We are pleased to welcome DavidGomez as our new Head of Regulation. As well as advising and leading on allissues related to the management ofthe GOsC’s regulatory functions(including fitness to practise processes)and legal affairs, David will play animportant role in preparing new rulesfor the GOsC once proposals by the

Law Commission to streamline healthand social care regulation have beenapproved by Parliament. He hasprevious experience of draftingstatutory instruments and proceduralrules for a number of regulatory bodies,including the Human Fertilisation andEmbryology Authority, the Nursing andMidwifery Council, the General SocialCare Council, and the CharteredInstitute of Management Accountants.

David said: “Currently, all regulators –including the GOsC – have their ownset of rules and procedures foroverseeing health and social care in theUK. Now, the Law Commissionrecommends the introduction of asingle overarching Act of Parliament inorder to promote consistency and thesame high standards across thedifferent professions.

“This will be an opportunity to refreshour regulatory procedures and to

incorporate emerging good practicefrom across the regulatory spectrum,and sometimes having the power tomake quite simple changes can make abig difference. The development of moresophisticated case management toolsand procedures, for example, could helpreduce the length and costs of hearings,and this is something that would benefitthe GOsC and registrants alike.

“I welcome suggestions from theprofession about fine-tuning ourregulatory procedures, and we will ofcourse consult fully with stakeholderson any potential changes.

“I am very pleased to be joining theGOsC at this exciting time.”

You can contact David at:[email protected]

New Head of Regulation appointed

GOsC receives positiveperformance review The GOsC has received another positive review of its work from the ProfessionalStandards Authority for Health and Social Care (PSA), the body responsible formonitoring the performance of all UK healthcare professional regulators.

GO

sC n

ews

|G

OsC

receives positive p

erformance review

| New

Head

of Regulation ap

pointed


GO

sC n

ews

| GO

sC introd

uces data retention p

olicy | How

long should

fitness to practise d

ecisions stay on record? | Shap

ing continuing fitness to practise


GOsC introduces dataretention policyAs a result of your feedback at the end of last year, we havemade amendments to our proposed data retention policyabout what information we should keep and for how long.

How long shouldfitness to practisedecisions stay onpublic record?

We will be asking osteopaths, the publicand other interested parties how longfitness to practise decisions shouldremain on an osteopath’s record.

Currently, the length of time variesdepending on the seriousness of thesanction. We want to strike the rightbalance between patients' right to knowabout a historical finding for a reasonableperiod of time, and the osteopath’s right to privacy once they have madeimprovements and returned tounrestricted practice.

The consultation will open soon. For further information and to takepart, see www.osteopathy.org.uk/about/our-work/consultations-events

The final policy will be in place from nowon and also apply retrospectively to allinformation we hold.

Up until now, we have acquired and beenkeeping permanently a large amount ofinformation about registrants. This is in linewith our statutory obligations and functions,but going forward we want to only storeinformation for as long as we need it.

Views on our draft data retention policywere gathered from registrants and otherkey stakeholders including the BritishOsteopathic Association, osteopathiceducational institutions and otherhealthcare regulators, and these helped toshape the final policy.

Amendments included the following:> Registrants’ registration information will

never be completely destroyed. Rather, asummary of this will be keptpermanently to help safeguard againstfraudulent re-applications

> Criminal records bureau checks will bedestroyed after six months

> Information relating to informalcomplaints will be kept for eight ratherthan 10 years as it was felt that 10 yearswas too long.

For more information, please contactthe Regulation Team on 020 73576655 x224 or [email protected]

A seminar hosted by the GOsC last monthbrought together representatives of theosteopathic training institutions, specialinterest groups, British OsteopathicAssociation and GOsC Council members,post-graduate osteopathic educationproviders, the National Council forOsteopathic Research, and patientrepresentation.

Findings from last year’s revalidation pilotand review of the current CPD scheme wereconsidered in the context of hardening

public and political expectations aroundstandards of healthcare and the onus onhealth professionals to demonstrate thatthey are keeping their skills up to datethroughout their career.

Building on the experience of therevalidation pilot – some aspects of whichworked well and others, less well – the GOsCis exploring with osteopathic organisationswhat mechanisms could have potential toboth satisfy public expectations of healthprofessionals and support individual

osteopaths to grow and develop in practice. Out of these and further discussions overcoming months, the GOsC is honing arevised framework for a continuing fitness topractise scheme for osteopaths, proposalsthat will be tested through a formalconsultation with osteopaths and othersnext year.

For more information, contact theProfessional Standards team on 020 7357 6655 x235 or [email protected]

Shaping continuing fitness to practiseLeading organisations in the osteopathic profession have been helping to shape andinfluence a new continuing fitness to practise (revalidation and CPD) scheme designedto support osteopaths to continue to meet the GOsC’s standards.


GO

sC n

ews

| Chang

ing land

scape, chang

ing nam

e: the evolution of revalidation

Shifting expectations

In 2009, the GOsC developed itsrevalidation scheme in response toincreased public and Governmentexpectations that healthcare professionalsshould be checked periodically ratherthan simply re-register each year. Twoyears later, the Government suggestedthat employers, rather than healthcareregulators, should be responsible forrevalidation, since they are closer to thepoint of care and best placed to addressproblems. Later that same year (2011), theParliamentary Health Committeesuggested that the Nursing and MidwiferyCouncil’s system for re-registration –based on CPD – offered patients and thepublic no assurance about the standardsand quality of care provided by nursesand midwives.

In November 2012, the ProfessionalStandards Authority (PSA) which overseesthe healthcare professional regulators inthe UK, published An approach tocontinuing fitness to practise, confirmingthat an input-based CPD scheme wouldnot be sufficient for registrants orregulators to demonstrate that registrantscontinue to be safe and fit to practise.

Our initial approach

Last year’s GOsC revalidation pilot wasdesigned to help osteopaths reflect ontheir performance through a range ofmeasures, including patient and peerfeedback, clinical audit and case-baseddiscussion. Osteopaths received bespokefeedback on their strengths and the areaswhere they needed further development.

Alongside the revalidation pilot, the GOsCexplored in a CPD Discussion Documenthow the existing CPD scheme could beenhanced.

The findings of our revalidation pilot andCPD consultation were published in early2013 (see the April/May edition of TheOsteopath here: http://tinyurl.com/np4uhev).

From revalidation and CPDto continuing fitness topractise

Following our pilot, we are continuing towork with osteopaths, patients and others,to develop proposals that are simpler forosteopaths while clearly showing patientsand the public that osteopaths meet ourstandards. Rather than a pass/fail scheme,we are considering a more developmentalapproach that feeds into CPD while still

giving patients and the public thereassurance they need.

Next steps

We have not made any pre-determineddecisions about how a continuing fitness topractise scheme for osteopaths might work.Proposals for consultation will be consideredby the GOsC Council later in the autumn,and in 2014 we plan to hold a formalconsultation when there will be furtheropportunities for all osteopaths to shareviews and help shape the future scheme.

We are keen to meet with groups ofosteopaths later this year ahead of theconsultation in spring 2014. Your views areimportant to us – so please get in touch andinvite us to come to your local meetings.Contact Sarah Eldred, CommunicationsManager on 020 7357 6655 x245 or email [email protected]

Changing landscape,changing name: theevolution of revalidationHow should health professionals demonstrate that they are up to date and meetcurrent standards? This question has been posed by different governments overthe past few years. So how has the GOsC responded?

Alternative approaches to continuing fitness to practise

The GOsC is not the only healthcare regulator that is developing a continuing fitnessto practise scheme. Here are just a few examples of the work of other UK regulators:

The General Optical Council (GOC) launched a continuing fitness to practisescheme in January 2013 which combines core CPD in specific areas with peer review.The GOC has been working with CPD providers to ensure registrants are supported.

The General Chiropractic Council (GCC) is working on a staged process, involvinga self-assessment informed by both objective and subjective evidence, and testing theperformance of a sample of registrants. The GCC is planning to work with some of theprofessional chiropractic organisations to develop the scheme further.

The General Medical Council’s (GMC) continuing fitness to practise system isbased on local systems of appraisal influenced by CPD, quality improvement activity(such as clinical audit), analysis of significant events, feedback from colleagues,feedback from patients and a review of complaints and compliments.

Can osteopathscountersignpassportapplications?Home Office rules require application forms forpassports to be countersigned by ‘a person of goodstanding in their community’. Osteopaths are oftenasked whether they qualify as countersignatories, andthe GOsC has sought clarification from the UKPassport Agency (UKPA).


The basic qualification for acountersignatory is to work in arecognised profession or be ‘aperson of good standing in theircommunity’. The UKPA websiteprovides an example list ofprofessions which includeschiropodists but not osteopaths orphysiotherapists. However, theUKPA has confirmed thatosteopaths are eligible to becountersignatories, the mainrequirement being that if the countersignatory has a degree-level qualification relatedto their job and meets the othercountersignatory criteria, then theymay countersign.

If you are asked to countersign apassport application, the followingcriteria apply:

> The person countersigning theapplication form must live inthe UK, hold a current British,Isle of Man, Channel Islands orIrish passport and have knownthe applicant for minimum oftwo years. They must write theirvalid passport number insection 10 of the applicationform. If the application is for achild under 16, thecountersignature must confirmthat they have known the adultwho signed the application

form at section 9 for at leasttwo years, and certify thephotograph stating the child’sfull name.

> A countersignature must be aperson who has a goodreputation in the community,possesses a current Britishpassport and has credentialsthat can be checked (providingyour GOsC registration numberand the link to the GOsCwebsite will help here).

> Anyone who lives at the sameaddress as you or relatives(including step-parents) are notallowed to sign.

For more information, see the UKPA websitehttps://www.gov.uk/countersigning-passport-applications

New recruits to ensurecontinuing standards

GO

sC news

| Can osteopaths countersign passport applications? | N

ew recruits to ensure continuing standards | Seeking osteopaths for the GO

sC Investigating Comm

ittee

International applicantsThe GOsC is recruiting individuals to assess internationally-qualified applicants for registration. These assessors helpto ensure that osteopaths trained outside the UK meetthe Osteopathic Practice Standards.

Different types of assessors are needed for each of thethree stages of the registration process as follows:

> Comparing non-UK qualifications with those providedin the UK

> Assessing further evidence (e.g. written case studies) toensure that this demonstrates the range of practicerequired, and knowing when to and when not to treata patient

> Assessing clinical performance in a real life clinicsetting involving the management of two newpatients.

Returning to practiceWe have also been recruiting reviewers for our Returnto Practice process for osteopaths who have been non-practising or off the Register for a period of at least 24months. This process involves close liaison between theosteopath and two reviewers. These trained reviewershelp the osteopath plan their return to practice, givingadvice on CPD needs and other support mechanismsthat will facilitate a smooth transition into practice.

Appointments will be published on our website at:www.osteopathy.org.uk/practice/How-to-register-with-the-GOsC

Seeking osteopaths toserve on the GOsCInvestigating Committee

We are looking for new members to appoint in early2014 to our Investigating Committee which initiallyinvestigates complaints against osteopaths.

If you are interested, please email your name andregistration number to [email protected].

Once we have made the appointments, we will publishdetails on our main website. In the meantime,information about the posts can be found athttp://tinyurl.com/mg4jypp

These reviews consist of a paper-basedevaluation and a formal visit to theinstitution, and is managed on behalf of theGOsC by the Quality Assurance Agency forHigher Education (QAA). Further details ofthe process can be found herewww.qaa.ac.uk/InstitutionReports/types-of-review/Pages/GOsC-review.aspx

As part of the review process, information iscollected from students, staff and patientsor can be sent directly to the QAA.

We currently have reviews planned for thefollowing institutions:

> European School of Osteopathy – 5-7November 2013

> London School of Osteopathy – 29 November-1 December 2013

> London College of Osteopathic Medicine– Spring 2014

> Oxford Brookes University – Spring 2014> Swansea University – Spring 2014

If you wish to provide any feedback on theeducation and standards at theseinstitutions, please feel free to contact theQAA by email [email protected] orpost to:

Barbara Edwards QAA Southgate House Southgate Street Gloucester GL1 1UB

Please note that the GOsC review is onlyconcerned with the standards of educationat an institution. We cannot intervene incontractual disputes between individualsand an institution, unless there is an issuethat affects the delivery of qualityeducation.

If you have a complaint about anindividual osteopath, you shouldcontact our Regulation Department on020 7357 6655 x224, or [email protected]

Is the quality of osteopathiceducation up to scratch?The GOsC is responsible for ensuring that osteopathiceducation in the UK meets the Osteopathic PracticeStandards, and it carries out periodic reviews of everyosteopathic educational institution in the UK to ensure thatthese standards are maintained.

GO

sC n

ews

| Is the quality of osteop

athic education up

to scratch? | Oxford

Brookes University to close osteop

athy courses


OxfordBrookesUniversity to closeosteopathycourses

As of the end of 2016, OxfordBrookes University (OBU) will no longer be teaching thefollowing courses:

a. Bachelor of Osteopathy

b. Master of Osteopathy

c. BSc (Hons) Osteopathy

OBU has informed us that thisdecision is due to changes inthe higher education sector and,specifically, changes to fundingstreams. OBU will continue torun the above courses to allowstudents recruited in September2012 to graduate.

The GOsC Education andRegistration StandardsCommittee is working closelywith OBU to ensure that thereare plans in place for studentswho need to take time out ofstudy to complete their courseafter September 2016, and thatOBU is providing for the needsof patients affected by theclosure of the clinic.

It is a high priority for both theGOsC and OBU that as thecourse gradually winds down,standards of patient care andthe quality of the studentexperience continue to bemaintained.

For more information, pleasecontact the GOsC ProfessionalStandards Team on 020 7357 6655 x235 or [email protected]

Does your advertisingfit the bill?It is vital that the healthcare information you provide on yourpractice website and in online directories enables patients andthe public to make safe and sensible choices.

Word of mouth and web information are wellknown to influence heavily the choicespatients make when seeking healthcare. Yourpractice website will often be a first port-of-callfor a patient contemplating using your servicesor someone making a recommendation. Forthis reason, the GOsC and the BritishOsteopathic Association regularly remindosteopaths to be vigilant about theinformation they provide.

The marketing of healthcare services isregulated by the Advertising StandardsAuthority, and in addition the OsteopathicPractice Standards – Standard D14(2) – requiresyou to ensure that all advertising is legal,decent, honest and truthful, and conforms tothe ASA’s UK Code of Non-broadcast Advertising,Sales Promotion and Direct Marketing (‘thecode’).

The GOsC has recently conducted anotherreview of osteopath websites, as we did in2011 in response to public concern, and we areencouraged to note that broadly osteopathsare well aware of the ASA code and striving toensure compliance. Where necessary we havewritten directly to a number of osteopaths,recommending they review their onlineinformation to ensure its compliance with theASA code.

Tips for easy compliance

In the course of our review, we noted a few‘trouble spots’ which osteopaths sometimesoverlook when monitoring their advertising.

> Remember to review not only your ownpractice website, but also your entry onany other online directory to which youhave signed up: A common example isosteopath entries on Internet directoriessuch as www.findanosteopath.co.uk. Youshould make reasonable internet searchesand contact the controllers of those

directories to rectify your entry/remove anyclaim that is not ASA compliant.

> Be methodical about keeping a record ofwhere you have posted advertising: Aswell as online, you are also responsible forposters and leaflets in public places.

> Delete remote files: If you are closingdown a website, or deleting pages, you needto ensure that all your remote files (storedon the hosting sites servers) are deletedbefore you cancel the hosting package.

> Do other healthcare providers havecorrect information about you? You areresponsible for the accuracy of theinformation about your practice that youprovide in the course of contracting yourservices to any public or private healthcareproviders. An example of this would be theinformation you provide Bupa for theironline ‘Finder’ facility(http://finder.bupa.co.uk), used by Bupapolicy holders. Be sure your details on thisare correct and also ASA compliant.

> Ask the ASA: If you are uncertain aboutwhether your publicity material is ASAcompliant, make use of the ASA’s free CopyAdvice Service to which you can submityour website or marketing materials forreview. You can find more information aboutthis at: http://copyadvice.co.uk

> To find out more: The ASA code, andspecific guidance (published in September2011) which relates to health therapies andevidence, can be found at: www.cap.org.uk.Osteopaths should pay particular attentionto the ASA help note entitled ‘Health, Beautyand Slimming Marketing Communicationsthat Refer to Medical Conditions’. You canaccess this information also via the GOsCregistrant website – the o zone.

GO

sC n

ews

| D

oes your advertising

fit the bill? | Brushing

up our W

elsh


Brushingup ourWelshThe GOsC is providingmore information in Welshas part of the services weprovide to the public andpatients in Wales.

The Welsh Language Act 1993 saysthat the Welsh and Englishlanguages should be treatedequally when conducting businessin Wales. The GOsC first introduceda Welsh Language Scheme inAugust 2011, and we reportannually to the Welsh LanguageCommissioner on what we havedone under the scheme.

This year, we introduced Welshversions of our public informationleaflets – What to expect when yousee an osteopath and Standards ofOsteopathic care – and theOsteopathic Practice Standards. Allof these can be downloaded fromour website at:http://tinyurl.com/nwq2lsc if youwould like to share these withyour Welsh patients.

Our public website also has asection containing key informationin Welsh, along with a bilingualform on the ‘Contact us’ page (goto: www.osteopathy.org.uk/contact-us). We will be improvingthe Welsh section during thecoming year to make it easier touse.

Full details of our WelshLanguage Scheme areavailable herehttp://tinyurl.com/nwq2lsc

To read our previous annualreports and theCommissioner’s response, goto http://tinyurl.com/qeu4yne

Funding for Development projectsIt was agreed that the GOsC would make funds available for projects thatsupport the development of osteopathy in the UK but not where these were forthe promotion of osteopathy. The grant scheme agreed (see also page 6) makesit clear that GOsC funding is appropriate for projects or initiatives that meet thefollowing criteria:

a. Developmental: to develop or improve osteopathic education, training orpractice

b. Public and patient benefit: to enhance the quality and safety ofosteopathic care

c. Cross-professional applicability: all practitioners would benefit, not just aparticular group

d. Collaboration: many organisations and partners would benefit, rather than alimited number

e. Clarity of outcome: the project plan and expected achievements of theproject are clearly set out.

Responding to the Francis InquiryThe Francis Report, published in February 2013, outlined the failings at the Mid-Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust and recommended changes based on thelessons learned. While many of the 290 recommendations of the Francis Reportrelated to hospital care and the roles of doctors and nurses, all bodies involvedin healthcare regulation are expected to develop an action plan setting outhow they will respond to relevant recommendations.

After an initial discussion, Council agreed that it would develop a more detailedresponse to the Report, in collaboration with osteopaths, patients and otherinstitutions.

Registration appeals processThe guidelines and procedures for appeals against Registration decisions havenot been updated since 1999. Council agreed to consult on relevant changes.

In Council –key decisions20 June 2013 – 80th meeting of the General Osteopathic Council The agenda and related papers can be found on the GOsCpublic website at: www.osteopathy.org.uk/about/the-organisation/meetings

Future Council meetings

> Thursday 17 October 2013

> Wednesday 29 January 2014

> Thursday 1 May 2014


GO

sC n

ews

| In Council – key d

ecisions | Look who’s talking

?

Look who’stalking?‘Ask the GOsC’, our new onlineforum for osteopaths, hasattracted a range of queries withCPD and advertising issues beingtop of the list.

Questions have included “Can taking part in awebinar be classed as learning with others?”, “Howlong should patient records be kept for?” and “Whatcan I charge for photocopying and supplyingpatients with their records?”

These are the sort of questions we regularly receivefrom osteopaths by email or telephone, but theanswers stay with the enquirers. Through the forumwe hope to share these questions and answers withall of you.

You don’t need to register on the forum to read thequestions and answers, but you do if you want toask or answer a query. You can register under yourown name or choose another user name if youprefer.

The forum is searchable, so if you want to see postsabout a particular topic, for example patient records,you can search using those keywords.

If you have posted a question or answer, you cansign up for alerts on further responses or posts. Clickon ‘Forum options’ at the top right of the forum,select ‘Add to favourites’ and then ‘Subscribe byemail.’ Then click on ‘Add to favourites’ and from thenon you will receive an email with details of newpostings.

To access the forum log onto the o zone homepage or through the ‘Get involved’ section.

s

s

n

Meetings begin at 10am atOsteopathy House. Agendas andpapers for the public session areavailable seven to 10 days beforethe meeting at:www.osteopathy.org.uk

For further information, contact Marcia Scott on 020 7357 6655 x246 or email [email protected]

GO

sC n

ews

|D

id you know

?


As of July 2013 there were 4,689osteopaths registered with the GOsC.

And now, for the first time since the Register opened in1998, the balance between male and female registrantshas almost closed. There are 2,363 male osteopaths while2,326 are female. This is a significant change from when theRegister opened in 1998 when most osteopaths were men,and reflects a general trend across healthcare professions.

Our pie chart shows the age breakdown of currentregistrants, with the 41 to 50 age group being by far thelargest.

Osteopaths are not evenly distributed across the UK.The largest number of osteopaths are based in the SouthEast (1,430) or Greater London (1,341) with the lowestnumbers in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. TheGOsC Register also includes registrants based in 48countries overseas.

Each year up to 300 osteopaths join the GOsC Registerwith the majority graduating with a ‘RecognisedQualification’ from a UK osteopathic educationalinstitution.

In the year to 31 March 2013 270 osteopaths joinedthe Register and we anticipate that this may be slightlyhigher this year.

Each year registrants also leave the Register as theyretire, move abroad or cease to practice for any otherreason. In the year to 31 March 2013, 174 osteopathsleft the Register, a slightly higher number than inprevious years but not significantly higher than the 2.5-3% that would be expected to leave in any single year.

The chart shows the changes over the past four years whichindicate an average growth in the Register of 152osteopaths each year.

We will continue to feature statistics like this infuture editions of The Osteopath. In the meantime,please feel free to contact us on 020 7357 6655 ifyou have any questions.

Did you know?

0 300 600 900 1200 1500

0

100

200

300

400

Osteopaths by age

Osteopaths by UK region

Osteopaths joining and leaving the Register

61 or over21 to 30

51 to 6031 to 40

41 to 50

Central England

Eastern and Home Counties

Greater London

Northern England

Northern Ireland

Scotland

South East (excl.London)

South West

Wales

2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13

Joined the RegisterLeft the Register

GO

sC n

ews

| Frequently A

sked Q

uestions


I have a patient that Iwant to refer for a scan. Thehospital said I can only sendpatient details to them byfax or through the post, notby email. Why is this?

This is due to principles set out inthe Caldicott Report which relates to thehandling of patient information in theNHS in England and Wales. The report,named after Dame Fiona Caldicott, wasfirst published in December 1997 amidconcerns that patient confidentialitycould be compromised with theincreasing use of IT in the NHS. For thisreason, there are restrictions in placewithin the NHS regarding the sendingand receiving of patient information viaemail in case this can be intercepted.

The report has recently been updatedand you can read more about this at:http://tinyurl.com/cuye9b2

As an osteopath, can Igive Botox injections?

Osteopaths may administer aninjection to a patient where they are doingso in accordance with the directions of anappropriate practitioner (usually a doctor),but this must relate to a specific medicinefor a specific patient (this is known as a‘Patient Specific Direction’), and is not ageneral permission to inject across anumber of patients. So, if a doctor oranother health practitioner withprescribing rights had authorised you toinject a particular patient with a particulardrug (and this includes Botox), then youcould do this, but as an osteopath, youwould not be allowed to make thedecision to inject independently.

Any osteopath who undertakesinjections in accordance with a PatientSpecific Direction must make sure thatthey are complying with therequirements of the Osteopathic PracticeStandards, e.g. acting within their trainingand competence, relevant health andsafety legislation and in possession ofadequate insurance. Osteopaths shouldalso be aware of the risks andrequirements around the care anddisposal of sharps, safe storage ofmedicines and risks associated withinjecting into the wrong site.

More information about Botox injectionsis available herehttp://tinyurl.com/qhb2d38

You are always welcome to contact uson 020 7357 6655 if you have aquestion or would like moreinformation, or post your question on the o zone forum.

Q

Q

A A

Frequently Asked QuestionsWe receive queries every day from osteopaths, patients and the public and we are alwayskeen to assist. Here are some recent queries and how we responded.

Programme FeaturesFriday 8 November – 3 full day workshopsSaturday 9 November – Full programme of lectures from world class speakersSunday 10 November – Select two half-day workshops

Complete 6 hours of CPD per day

International speakers include:Phillip Richter, director of The Institute for Applied Osteopathy, GermanyJorgen Quaeghebeur, lecturer at the Flanders International College, BelgiumSue Turner, faculty member, Sutherland Cranial CollegeWalter McKone, writer and lecturerPlus many more

£120 per day for BOA members, £140 per day for non-members

Visit www.osteopathy.org/convention2013 for more information and to book

Annual BOA Convention – booking now

Extending Healthy Working Life – 8-10 November 2013,Egham Surrey

Phillip Richter

research|gen

eral|IJO

M Journal Sum

maries


IJOM Journal SummariesEfficacy ofosteopathy andother manualtreatmentapproaches formalocclusion. Asystematic review ofevidence.

Andresen T, Bahr C,Ciranna-Raab C.International Journal ofOsteopathic Medicine2013;16(2): 99e113

This systematic review aimedto examine the evidence forthe efficacy of osteopathy andother forms of manualintervention in themanagement of malocclusion.The stages of the review arewell described, including all ofthe databases searched andthe search terms employed. Asmall number of studies wereexpected so the search termsused were quite expansive. Awide range of databases weresearched in addition to non-indexed osteopathic journals.Studies identified from thesearch were categorisedaccording to Sackett’s levels ofevidence, and then assessedusing Downs and Black’squality checklist designed forhealthcare interventions.

Only 30 studies met thestated inclusion criteria but13 of these were experts’opinions alone and containedlittle evidence. The remaining17 studies included variousresearch designs with varyingdegrees of methodologicalquality; most of the studieswere regarded as poor qualityafter assessment with Downsand Black’s qualityassessment tool.

A small number of studiesreported some changes inmalocclusion associated withtherapeutic approaches, butthe review highlighted theneed for more studies in thisarea with much greatermethodological quality.

Is alcohol intakeassociated with lowback pain? Asystematic review ofobservationalstudies.

Ferreira PH, Pinheiro MB,Machado GC, et al. ManualTherapy 2013;18(3):183-90

A range of risk factors exist forlow back pain, and these havebeen widely described in theliterature. Alcohol is known tobe a risk factor for a variety ofdiseases but a growingnumber of studies havesuggested its contribution tolow back pain. A range ofstudies have been publishedon this topic including onesystematic review (Lebouef-Yde, 2000) and someobservational studies (Khatunet al, 2004; Hestbaek et al, 2006;Almeida et al, 2008).

This systematic reviewexplored the relationshipbetween alcohol intake andlow back pain. A range ofstudies were examinedfollowing an extensive searchof the literature; 833 studieswere initially identified but only26 met the inclusion criteria forreview and meta-analysis.Among the included studieswere 23 retrospective cohorts,two case controls, and onelongitudinal study.

The results from the casecontrol and cohort studies

were pooled and showed thatalcohol consumption is slightlyassociated with low back pain(Odds Ratio: 1.3; 95%Confidence Interval: 1.1-1.5).While this association appearedto be present in studies wherealcohol had been identified asan abuse dependent substancein chronic low back painpatients, remaining individualstudies reported no statisticalassociation.

The reviewers concluded thatthe findings could be used todesign educational informationfor populations experiencinglow back pain associated withalcohol abuse.

Two-stage vertebralcolumn resection forsevere and rigidscoliosis in patientswith low bodyweight.

Zhou C, Liu L, Song Y, et al.The Spine Journal2013;13(5):481-486

Many osteopaths treat patientswith scoliosis in clinicalpractice. This paper describesthe management for aparticular subgroup of patientswho have the combination ofsevere and rigid scoliosis incombination with low bodyweight. The authors describecurrent management whichinvolves anterior release withposterior correction andinstrumentation; they go on todescribe their own case seriesinvolving a modified approachinvolving a two-stage vertebralcolumn resection to try andoptimise correction of thespinal curve while minimisingthe known complications forthe procedure.

This study involved sixteenpatients (nine women andseven men) referred from theorthopaedics department of aChinese hospital. Clinicalanalysis involved a range ofconsiderations including:

> Rib hump;> Lumbar hump;> Cobb angle of coronal

curves;> Apical vertebral translation;> Coronal balance;> Sagittal balance;> Thoracic kyphosis;> Lumbar lordosis.

These measures wereperformed before and aftersurgery to assess theeffectiveness of the procedure.Additional data were collectedincluding patient’s weight, themean operating time, meanblood loss, and postoperativecomplications including thoseassociated with the procedure,and with the instrumentation.

Data relating to the proceduredemonstrated a range ofchanges. Rib hump and lumbarhump had correction rates of77% and 85%; coronal planecorrection of the major curveaveraged 70.7%; apicalvertebral translation of thecurve was corrected by 73.2%;pre-operative thoracic kyphosisof 50.1° was corrected to 28.9°;and preoperative lumbarlordosis was corrected from -57.9° to -49.0°.

Complications were identifiedin two patients, one of whomrequired ventilator support for12 hours, and malposition of apedicle screw was found inanother patient. The authorsconcluded that this approachoffers a good form ofcorrection to scoliosis in thissubgroup of patients withoutserious complications beingencountered.

Conferencecalendar

27-31 October, Dubai International Federation ofOrthopaedic andManipulative Therapists(IFOMPT). Congress on lowback and pelvic pain.

Further information can befound at: www.worldcongresslbp.com

8-10 November,Surrey The Annual Convention ofthe British OsteopathicAssociation at theRunnymede-on-ThamesHotel, Windsor Road,Egham, Surrey, TW20 0AG

More information will beavailable in due course inOsteopathy Today and onthe BOA website(www.osteopathy.org).

15-17 November,MilanInternational Congress ofOsteopathy.

Further information can befound at:http://www.congressosteopatia.com/enAbstract submissioninformation can be foundat: http://www.congressosteopatia.com/en/abstract/regolamento

The conference section ofthe NCOR website will beupdated regularly asinformation becomesavailable. It can be foundat: http://www.ncor.org.uk/getting-involved/conferences


research| g

eneral| British School of O

steopathy M

ulti-discip

linary Research Symp

osium | N

COR

| Research hub new

s | Conference calend

ar

N C O ROsteopathic Research

National Council for

Hubmeetings

Information concerning thehubs and the full text papersbeing discussed at themeetings can be found at:www.ncor.org.uk/getting-involved/hubs

> BRISTOLThursday 19 September, 7-9pm

The meeting will consist of afocus group to gather theviews of osteopaths on the useof outcome measures inpractice. If you would like toparticipate, please contactCarol Fawkes([email protected]). Thesecond part of the meeting willlook at data collected using theBournemouth Questionnaireand how to analyse this.

> EXETERSaturday 28 September

The meeting will be looking atthe data collected by the groupwhile using the Bournemouthquestionnaire, and will alsoinvolve a focus group lookingat the use of Patient ReportedOutcome Measures in clinicalpractice.

> HAYWARDS HEATHPlease refer to the NCORwebsite (www.ncor.org.uk)

> LEEDSMonday 23 September, 5.30-7.30pm

The group will be looking atthe AQP system and theinformation requirements.

British School ofOsteopathy Multi-disciplinary Research SymposiumOn 22 May 2013, the British School ofOsteopathy (BOA) hosted its inaugural, multi-disciplinary research symposium formanual therapy and musculoskeletal (MSK)medicine.

Steven Vogel, Vice Principal of the BSO, and OliverThomson, Research Officer at the BSO, convened thesymposium to explore current issues that are impactingon education and practice in manual therapy andmusculoskeletal healthcare. The aim was to provide aforum to disseminate and discuss current researchactivity and to provide an opportunity to identify keyresearch questions and collaboration possibilities.

The morning focused on clinical expertise, reasoningand decision making. Dr Nicola Petty, programme leaderfor the Professional Doctorate in Health and Social Careat Brighton University, UK, presented her research onlearning transitions of MSK physiotherapists towardsclinical expertise. Oliver Thomson then went on todiscuss clinical decision making in osteopathy, which heexplored in his PhD. Professor Stephen Tyreman, Dean ofosteopathic education at the BSO, concluded themorning’s theme with an exploration of uncertainty inclinical healthcare. He described the concept of ‘aporia’ (apathless path) as a means of dealing with uncertainty inpractice, likening clinical decision making to navigatingacross an unmarked terrain; through navigation there area number of possible routes to the same destination.

The afternoon’s theme was patient-centred care andself-reported outcomes, and it began with Dr MarySexton’s presentation on her research in constructing atheory for patient-centred care in MSK physiotherapy.Danijela Serbic, researcher at Royal Holloway, Universityof London, presented work carried out by herself andProfessor Tamar Pincus on the role of diagnostic labellingand pain-related guilt in low back pain; Dr Jorge Esteves,researcher at the BSO, discussed emotional processingand its relationship to chronic low back pain. JonathanField, a chiropractor in private practice, presented hiswork with Dr Dave Newell, from the Anglo-EuropeanCollege of chiropractic, on the influence of very earlychange in catastrophisation on self-reported outcome atthree months.

The day concluded with a group discussion, facilitatedby Steven Vogel about future symposia, and ideas forfuture collaboration and research; the overall consensusbeing that a collaborative approach to research inmanual therapy and MSK medicine would be incrediblyvaluable to both practitioners and patients.


research|NCOR

| Research ideas

Research ideasCarol Fawkes, Research Officer for NCOR

We are frequently contacted by osteopaths who want to develop an idea for a research project, collaboratewith others or share their clinical experiences with the profession and the public, and we are pleased thatthere seems to be an increase in the number of osteopaths interested in research.

Communicating an idea for a researchproject is not always easy as there isusually far more to consider than firstanticipated. However, this should not be afrustrating process provided that you haveconsidered the different elements of yourproposed project in a thorough andlogical way before presenting your idea.

We have developed a research ideainformation sheet and checklist to guideyou through the various elements of basicresearch design, so that when you cometo sharing your idea with others you canhave more confidence in your explanation.A well-thought-out research proposalmakes it easier for interested parties togive you advice and help you develop theidea further, and this is essential whenapplying for funding.

The key areas covered in the informationsheet are:

> Defining your research question andwhy it is important

> Think PICO:

Population:Describe your populationof interest.Intervention: What is the treatmentyou want to research?Comparator group:What can youcompare your intervention/treatmentwith? Outcomes: How are you going tomeasure effects or outcomes?

Background andRationale

Firstly, you need to convey the importanceof your research idea with a brief literaturereview, outlining the problem beingaddressed by your proposed research andhow your project is likely to add to thebody of knowledge in this area. You should

detail why the research is important interms of benefits to patients and, ifapplicable, the NHS. You should alsoconsider and explain why the research isimportant at this particular time, and knowthat this type of work is not beingundertaken currently by other researchers.

Your proposedresearch project

You will need to provide an expertsummary of your proposed researchproject, which outlines the followingelements:

DesignA brief statement of the study design youwill use, for example, a randomisedcontrolled trial. We have information aboutsome study designs in our learning onlinesection, and we will add more to this:www.ncor.org.uk/learning-online/evidence-based-tutorials

SettingIf you plan to collect primary data, asopposed to researching existing literature(secondary data), you will need to describethe health service setting(s) for yourresearch. For example, patients in a privateosteopathy practice, GP practice, orhospital setting.

Strategy for reviewingliteratureYou will need to conduct a literaturereview regardless of whether this is themain focus of your study. In primary datacollection studies, the literature reviewserves as a form of modelling for thestudy. It will inform the development ofthe research question, as well as variouselements of the methodology. Forexample, the literature can help you tojustify the outcome measures that you

choose to use. It may also highlight theavailability of existing survey or datacollection tools which could be used inyour study. The quality of relevant literaturemust be assessed and you should explainthe search method and criteria used forthis process.

Target populationDefine the population you wish to studyusing recognised classification ordiagnosis criteria. For example, for patientswith tension-type headache or chroniclow back pain, you could use classificationsfor headaches published by theInternational Headache Society (www.ihs-headache.org).

Describe the interventionThe intervention you are assessing in yourproject must be clear. For example, if youare assessing the effectiveness ofosteopathic treatment, you will need todefine osteopathy and also each of thetechniques that you will use and why.Describing this in detail is important inorder to make the study repeatable. If thetreatment/intervention is likely to vary, youneed to explain how you will deal with this.

Comparator groupIf you want to investigate whether atreatment or intervention is useful, you willneed to have some confidence that theoutcomes occur as a result of thetreatment and not due to some otherfactor(s) e.g. natural recovery, orenvironmental effects. To achieve this, youcan compare those who receive theintervention with a control group(s), as in arandomised controlled trial. Comparisonsare normally made with people receivingstandard care or another existingintervention; a placebo; no treatment at allor being on a waiting list to receivetreatment in the future. Many trials use anumber of comparisons, for example,treatment compared with anothertreatment and no treatment.


research|NCOR

| Research ideasFor more information about randomised

controlled trials, read our evidence-basedpractice tutorial: www.ncor.org.uk/ wp-content/uploads/2012/12/RCTs_ intro.pdf

You will need to describe yourcomparator group(s), justifying yourchoices, and describe your randomisationmethod.

Outcome measures and costsTo objectively measure how well yourintervention works, you will need to use astandardised outcome measure(s).Outcome measures are a way ofestablishing changes following atreatment/intervention. For example,measuring pain using a visual analoguescale before osteopathic treatment andagain after each treatment is a way ofmeasuring changes in pain levels. Youcan read more about outcome measureshere: www.ncor.org.uk/wpcontent/uploads/2012/12/outcome_measures.pdf

When presenting the outcome measuresyou intend to use, you must include ajustification for your choice, particularlywhen there are a number you canchoose from. Considering outcomes usedin previous studies is extremelyimportant; consistency in the use ofoutcome measures allows systematicreviewers to combine the results ofnumerous studies, therefore increasingthe statistical power of results (ref –COMET initiative). The COMET Initiativehas a database of Core Outcomes forvarious interventions and patientpopulations: www.comet-initiative.org

In studies where there is a healtheconomic component, you should statefrom what perspective costs and benefitswill be considered and how you plan tocollect this information.

Sample size Those who are likely to beinterested in your projectwill want to know howmany people you intend toinclude in your study. Theywill also want to know ifthe results of your study arelikely to be meaningful in astatistical sense and this willdepend on your samplesize. You should thereforecalculate the sample sizerequired for your study andinclude this in your

proposal, along with the estimated effectsize, power and/or precision used in thecalculation.

Recruitment of participantsYou will need to make it clear how youplan to recruit participants for your study(where applicable). If you are hoping toinvolve existing patients in someresearch, they must be made fully awareof the research through receipt of aparticipant information sheet, and sign aconsent form agreeing to be part of thestudy. If you are planning to recruitparticipants who are NHS patients, thiswill involve a different level ofconsideration and ethical permission.

Recruitment methods can take manyforms, and this can includeadvertisements or referral. The type ofrecruitment and any inclusion andexclusion criteria must be consideredprior to any research.

Ethics and researchDifferent types of investigation can takeplace within a practice, and some ofthese will require ethics approval. If youare unsure whether your work needsethics approval before it can proceed,you should look at the table produced bythe National Research Ethics Service(www.nres.nhs.uk/EasySiteWeb/GatewayLink.aspx?alId=355).

Project timetables includingrecruitment rate You will need to justify your estimation ofthe duration of the entire study andoutline the main stages with theexpected duration of each. You shouldalso detail the expected recruitment ratei.e. how long it will take to recruit xnumber of participants. You could use aGantt chart to present all of the above

information clearly. You can read aboutGantt charts here:http://tinyurl.com/nkaf8u6

Flow diagramA flow diagram is useful and is requiredby funding organisations to provide avisual representation of your studyproposal.

Expertise in teamUndertaking a research project requires anumber of skills, so a multidisciplinary teamis often required. For example, you mayneed a statistician to help you withsampling. Once you have establishedwhich skills will be needed for your project,you can then start to build your team.Once you have agreed a team, you cangive interested parties confidence in yourcombined ability to undertake the project.

You will need to provide personal detailsof all persons involved in the proposedresearch, their research experience, andthe extent and nature of theircontribution. Those with othersupporting roles, such as administrativeauthority, a finance officer, head ofdepartment and/or sponsor should alsobe included.

You must declare any conflicts orpotential conflicts of interest relating toany of our team members. This is requiredto avoid any perception of bias orpotential embarrassment to any partyinvolved with the project.

Abstract in plain EnglishYou should provide a summary of yourproposed research that can be easilyunderstood by a wider audience so thatnon-experts in your subject area canunderstand what your intended projectinvolves. This helps commissioners ofresearch to decide whether or not yourproposal is the best one to answer aspecific problem or brief. You mustexplain specialised technical terms andacronyms and avoid using discipline-specific jargon.

If you are responding to anadvertised/commissioned call, you shouldexplain how your research proposal isrelevant to the research question.

Some guidance on writing in plainEnglish can be found here:www.plainenglish.co.uk/free-guides.html

research|NCOR


Patient and publicinvolvement

Patients and the public can be involved atvarious stages in the research process, notonly as participants in a trial. The extent oftheir involvement is likely to varydepending on the nature and context ofyour study. Patients and the public may beinvolved in identifying research topics,prioritising research questions, assisting inthe design, or carrying out the research.You should explain if and why you have orhave not involved patients and the public

in your proposal. You will then need toexplain how they will be involved.

History ofapplication

Submitting proposals to more than onefunding body at a time is not acceptablepractice. If you have previously submittedthe same or a similar proposal forconsideration to an organisation, youmust disclose any information regardingthese. Failure to do so may be viewed asacademic misconduct.

Dissemination andoutputs

Describe the way(s) in which you plan todisseminate the research you propose,the expected output of the research andthe subsequent impact. This informationassists the funding organisation indeciding whether or not your researchwill provide value for money.

The Research idea checklist andinformation sheet is available online at: http://tinyurl.com nmp8jmp

Background and rationaleWhy is your research important? Back this up withrelevant literature.

DesignWhat kind of study is it?

SettingIn what kind of health setting will your study take place?

Strategy for reviewing literatureHow will you conduct the literature review that willinform your study design? How will you assess the quality of the literature?

Target populationDescribe your study population.

InterventionDescribe, in detail, the intervention.

Comparator groupDescribe your comparator group(s).

Outcome measures and costsHow will you measure the outcomes of yourintervention? Justify your choice of outcome measures.How will you measure cost, if applicable?

Sample sizeWhat is your sample size? Show your calculations.

Recruitment of participantsHow will you recruit participants for your study?

Ethics and researchDoes your study require ethics approval?

Project timetableHow long will the study take? What will happen when?

Flow diagramPresent your study using a flow diagram.

The study teamDescribe the expertise of your team.

Abstract in plain EnglishWrite an abstract in plain English.

Patient and public involvementHow will patients and the public be involved in yourstudy?

History of applicationHave you applied for funding elsewhere?

Dissemination and outputsHow will you disseminate your research findings? What impact will they have?

FINAL CHECKLIST

Once you have thought about and described your project in detail, you need toconsider the following:


in p

ractice|Launch of new

web

site on European osteop

athy

FORE brings together osteopathicassociations, voluntary registers andregulators, including the GOsC, to improvethe protection of patients in Europe bypromoting the wider recognition andregulation of osteopaths and highstandards of osteopathic patient care.

This new site is packed with informationabout FORE as an organisation; itsmembers and details of the status ofosteopathy in different countries; news andevents relevant to osteopathic regulation;

as well as a comprehensive resourcessection with relevant publications, researchand links.

FORE’s new website has improvedfunctionality, design and navigation toprovide a more accessible and informativereference not only for FORE members, butalso for osteopaths, patients and the publicinterested in information about osteopathyin Europe.

For a closer look at the brand newwebsite, visit www.forewards.eu

For further information and to giveyour feedback on FORE’s new site youcan contact the Secretariat at:[email protected]

The Forum forOsteopathicRegulation inEurope (FORE) haslaunched a brandnew websitewww.forewards.eu

Launch of new websiteon European osteopathy

The NHS in Wales comesunder direct control of theWelsh Government (WG)rather than Westminster. TheWG has, at present decidednot to utilise the AnyQualified Provider (AQP)scheme which is beingimplemented in England.While this may present achallenge to accessingosteopathy on the NHS, theMOst Programme at SwanseaUniversity has embarked onnovel strategies to widenaccess that simultaneouslyopen further possibilities ofmultidisciplinary care forpatients and inter-professional learning for ourstudents.

Last summer, we met withCym Taf Health Board (whichoversees the Valleys region ofSouth Wales) and the WelshInstitute of Chiropractic, andembarked on a six monthpilot of clinical provision forspinal pain which followed apaper-based triage model.This form of triage has a case-based ‘around the table’ typeformat, whereby members ofthe clinical faculty of bothinstitutions engaged inweekly meetings withextended scopephysiotherapists, podiatristsand an orthopaedic surgeonto discuss the best clinicalroute to recommend topatients on an NHSmusculoskeletal waiting list.

The bid for this pilot wasapproved by theNational OrthopaedicInnovation and DeliveryBoard, with the clear aimof reducing waiting listtimes and improvingpatient outcomes. Theproject was evaluatedand monitored by theCym Taf Health Board,the governance of theosteopathic educationalinstitution (OEI) andchiropractic institution,as well as the Deliveryand Support Unit (DSU)which functions to drivechange within the NHSin Wales. Due to thesuccess of this pilot, the DSUwished to repeat a similarproject in another HealthBoard.

As a result of this, SwanseaUniversity, along with theWelsh Institute ofChiropractic and the DSU,have now met with theMusculoskeletal ServicesTeam of Morriston Hospital inSwansea to create a largerproject which will run initiallyfor one year, and is due tocommence in October.Patients from the NHSwaiting list for spinal pain willbe triaged using a similarpaper-based format. A keydifference this time is thatthey will be able to obtainosteopathy and chiropracticalongside each other, from

final year students (of bothinstitutions) under thesupervision of clinical faculty,as per the standardpedagogical modelencountered in most OEIs.The appointments for bothosteopathy and chiropracticwill take place under oneroof in the new BeaconHealth Centre in Swansea,which as well as hosting theMOst programme’s clinicexpansion, is home to theAbertawe Bro MorgannwgUniversity Health Boardservices and SwanseaUniversity College ofMedicine. Planned futuredevelopment of the projectincludes the provision of awalk-in service as well as

widening access to morediverse NHS waiting lists.

This model of clinicalprovision represents astrategy which can improveboth access to andawareness of osteopathy andchiropractic, while providingpreviously unexplored inter-disciplinary educationalplatforms and collaborationbetween the two professionsin the UK.

It is hoped that following thesuccessful implementation ofthe Swansea project, thismodel could be rolled out toother NHS Health andCommissioning Boards acrossthe UK.


Developing NHSosteopathy in WalesRoss Johnston BSc (Hons) Ost Med MSc DO, Senior Lecturer at Swansea University (www.swansea.ac.uk)

For more information about osteopathy and the NHS in Wales, contact Ross on 01792 606713 or at:[email protected]

in p

ractice|Develop

ing N

HS osteop

athy in Wales

Ross Johnston Senior Lecturer at Swansea University


in p

ractice|O C

anada!

1 Healthcare laws are not the sameacross Canada.

Canada consists of 10 provinces and threeterritories, all of which have their ownhealthcare systems. The laws governingosteopathy vary from province to province.

In the provinces of British Columbia, Albertaand Ontario, only Osteopathic Physicianscan use the title “osteopath”. Therefore,British trained osteopaths must refer tothemselves as follows:

British Columbia: Osteopathic PractitionerAlberta: Osteopathic Manual TherapistOntario: Osteopathic Manual Practitioner

2 There is no National Regulator forOsteopathy in Canada.

You do not need to take an entrance examto work in Canada. As osteopathy becomesmore established, provinces may introduceentry exams but at the time of writing thereare none.

3 Find out who is setting thestandards of practice in the provinceyou want to work in.

As there is currently no regulation, anyonecan set up a practice in osteopathy.

There are five provinces in Canada with not-for-profit, voluntary, professionalmembership organisations, which havecreated standards for membership similarto those found in regulated countries, e.g.

UK, Australia, New Zealand. They are allmembers of the Canadian Federation ofOsteopaths (CFO) and set standards in theirrespective provinces. The CFO is also amember of the Osteopathic InternationalAlliance (www.oialliance.org). The fiveprovincial organisations are:

British Columbia – Society for thePromotion of Manual Practice Osteopathyhttp://osteopathybc.caAlberta – Alberta Association ofOsteopathic Manual Therapistshttp://osteopathyalberta.comOntario – Ontario Association ofOsteopathic Manual Practitionershttp://osteopathyontario.orgQuebec – Osteopathy Quebec www.osteopathiequebec.caNova Scotia – Nova Scotia Association ofOsteopathshttp://novascotiaosteopaths.ca

4 Joining an association isimportant.

Most private insurance plans will reimbursefor your services if you are a member of aprovincial association which they recognise,like the ones mentioned above.

5 Some Provinces have more thanone association.

Check for ones that have high educationalrequirements similar to those you are usedto in the UK.

6 In some provinces, HVTs are arestricted act.

Be prepared to adapt your treatment styleas necessary to ensure you do not fall foulof the legislation.

7 How to get into Canada.

Here are three common ways:

i. You get a job offer from an existingbusinessYou will be issued with a work visa andwork for one employer.

ii. Temporary work visa (InternalExperience Canada, IEC)Those younger than 30 can apply for anopen IEC visa. See www.bunac.org formore details.

iii. Enrol in the Provincial NomineeProgramAs well as being employed, you wouldbe working towards becoming aPermanent Resident of Canada.

For more information visit the website ofCitizenship and Immigration Canada(www.cic.gc.ca).

8 Help with immigration

Help should come from a prospectiveemployer, other osteopaths and perhaps a lawyer. Currently, neither the provincialassociations nor the CFO are equipped toadvise you on immigration matters.

Ed Paget

O Canada!

We receive regular queries fromosteopaths who are thinking ofpractising outside the UK. A popularchoice is Canada, so we invited EdPaget, Secretary of the CanadianFederation of Osteopaths (CFO) toshare the following key facts ofinterest for UK-trained osteopaths.

If you would like to review any of the titles featured(in exchange for a free copy), contact the editor at:[email protected]

Bookshelf A selection of illustrated reference booksfor osteopaths

The Anatomy of Stretching Second EditionBrad Walker

Lotus PublishingISBN 978-1-905367-29-0192 pages

The Anatomy of Stretching looks at stretching fromevery angle, including: physiology and flexibility;the benefits of stretching; the different types ofstretching; rules for safe stretching; and how tostretch properly. Geared towards fitnessenthusiasts of any level as well as fitnessprofessionals, this book also focuses on which stretches are useful for thealleviation or rehabilitation of specific sports injuries.

At the Still Point of the Turning World: The Artand Philosophy of Osteopathy Robert Lever

Handspring PublishingISBN 978-1-9091410-5-6185 pages

In this book, the author examines and exploresboth the art and the science of osteopathythrough the eyes and experience of a devotedteacher and practitioner. This is a book aboutprinciples, ideas and reflections that have shaped adedicated approach to practice throughout aprofessional life of undimmed enthusiasm over 40years.

Classical Osteopathy: Articles, Lectures andPapersMervyn Waldman

The Institute of Classical OsteopathyISBN 978-0-9560865-7-0303 pages

Most students and graduates of osteopathy havehad little or no instruction in the breadth andapplication of classical osteopathy. This bookattempts to outline its principles, physiological basisand practice, and the revolutionary contribution itcan make to the practice of 21st century medicine.

BackchatThis section is intended to provide aforum for professional debate. The viewsand opinions expressed here do notnecessarily reflect those of the publishers.

New graduates

Dear Editor,

I am writing in response to the ‘Starting out inpractice’ article in the June/July 2013 issue.

We often hear that starting out as an osteopath,having spent the past four or five years under theuniversity umbrella, can be a daunting prospect.Katherine’s positive approach to building acommunity of osteopaths working together topromote the profession and create CPDopportunities is a quality that the OsteopathicSports Care Association (OSCA) has advocatedsince its establishment by Jonathan Betser in1995.

Graduate osteopaths wishing to build a careerworking in sport will appreciate that it is a highlycompetitive arena. One of the best ways to gainexperience of working in sport is to shadowexperienced osteopaths and physiotherapists.However, internship opportunities can be hard tosecure due to the high level of demand for places.

In continuing with this approach of building acommunity network, new graduates and final yearosteopathic students are now able to apply for aplace on the OSCA Internship programme.Successful candidates will have the invaluableopportunity to shadow experienced osteopathsand physiotherapists and gain experienceworking in a variety of sports.

For more information on the OSCA Internshipprogramme and how to apply, please visitwww.osca.org.uk

Simeon Milton

Editor’s response:

Thank you for bringing this to our attention. We look forward to hearing more about theprogramme.

in p

ractice| B

ackch

at | B

oo

ksh

elf


We continue to welcome your views and ifyou have a question to ask or views toshare, please feel free to contact TheOsteopath editor on 020 7357 6655 x222or email [email protected].

The Soft Tissue Release Handbook:Reducing Pain and ImprovingPerformance Mary Sanderson & Jim Odell, Lotus Publishing (2012)ISBN 978-1-905367-22-1, 192 pages

Reviewed by Susan Feetham BSc (Hons) Ost

This book is very similar in content and layout to MarySanderson’s first book - Soft Tissue Release: A PracticalHandbook for Therapists. It starts with a goodintroduction and explanation of what Soft TissueRelease is, how to do it and when to use it.

Each section has good pictures of the anatomy of thearea, tables showing what the muscles do and theeffects of the restrictions to these muscles. Thesection then uses words and photographs to explainhow to do the techniques for each area ofmuscle/ligament/tendon.

The final section is case studies but these are briefand superficial, e.g. a lady had this, we did some work(no details), she got better. More depth would havebeen useful.

Having read both of Mary Sanderson’s books, I can saythat they are both a very good introduction to SoftTissue Release, but I think that having one or theother on your bookshelf would be enough. This bookI think, overall, is better but it does not have a sectionon self-treatment. I’m also not sure about thesubheading of reducing pain and improvingperformance (this hopefully happens when thetreatment isgiven), and therewas not muchemphasis onsports injuries andproblems.

Book reviews

My Neck Hurts! Non surgicalTreatments for Neck and UpperBack Pain Martin T.Taylor, D.O., Ph.D., John Hopkins UniversityPress (2010)ISBN 978-0-8018-9666-8, 171 pages

Reviewed by Hannah Del Ponte

This is a consolidated guide to neck pain and theplethora of treatments available. There are usefulpictures, along with explanations of possible causesand anatomy. The exercises suggested are explainedwell, with illustrations and photographs to supportthe text. The many possible treatments are explainedin simple language, with the potential benefits andcomplications outlined. Alternative therapies areincluded and the author gives his opinion on howuseful he believes these to be and the scientificevidence that supports these therapies.

Sadly, despite being written by an osteopathicphysician, osteopathy is covered in three pages andrarely mentioned in the rest of the text. Craniosacraltherapy is listed as ‘a non-traditional osteopathictechnique’ in the alternatives that the author does notrecommend.

It is also worth noting that the book discussestreatment availability, licensing and regulation ofpractitioners in the USA only.

in p

ractice| B

oo

k review

s


in p

ractice|

cou

rses


All dates Treating the ComplexShoulder: The Niel-AsherTechnique Course Director: Simeon Niel-AsherVenue: Available onlinetel: 0808 189 0447www.frozenshoulder.com

September > 3 Spinal Manipulation andMobilisation TechniqueMaster class Speaker: John GibbonsVenue: Oxford UniversitySport, Jackdaw Lane, Oxford,OX4 1EQtel: 07850 176600www.johngibbonsbodymaster.co.uk

> 4Management of Asthma:Unlocking the ThoracicCage and how to improvethe Breath of Life. Usingosteopathic and dryneedling techniquesSpeakers: David Lintonbon &Jean Barnard-HadleyVenue: London School ofOsteopathy 12 Grange Road,London SE1 3BEtel: 07958 488 784email: [email protected] www.theartofhvt.com

> 5-6 Spine Course forOsteopathsVenue: The NottinghamConference Centre,Nottinghamtel: 0800 0 43 20 60email: [email protected] www.nspine.co.uk/spine-course-for-osteopaths/spinal-course-osteopaths.php

> 6An introduction totreating the performingartistCourse Leader: Jennie MortonVenue: University of London,International Hall, London.WC1N 1AStel: 07771 993565email: [email protected]

> 7Acupuncture in themanagement oftendinopathiesSpeaker: Brad NealVenue: London, N19tel: 020 7263 8551email:[email protected] www.cpdo.net

> 7-8 Functional StretchingSpeaker: Prof. Eyal LedermanVenue: London, N19tel: 020 7263 8551email:[email protected] www.cpdo.net

> 8Complete ClinicalCompetence Series –Total AbdomenExaminationSpeaker: Dr Graham DowningVenue: Warwick Hilton,Warwickshiretel: 020 8504 1462email: [email protected]

> 8Management of Low backpain and associateddysfunction usingosteopathic and dryneedling techniquesSpeakers: David Lintonbon &Jean Barnard-HadleyVenue: London School ofOsteopathy, 12 Grange Road,London SE1 3BE

tel: 07958 488 784email: [email protected] www.theartofhvt.com

> 8Treating The ProfessionalDancerCourse Leader: Jennie MortonVenue: Jacksons Lane, 269a Archway Road, London.N6 5AAtel: 07771 993565email:[email protected]

> 10Knee Joint MasterclassSpeaker: John GibbonsVenue: Oxford UniversitySport, Jackdaw Lane, Oxford,OX4 1EQtel: 07850 176600www.johngibbonsbodymaster.co.uk

> 11Hip Joint MasterclassSpeaker: John GibbonsVenue: Oxford UniversitySport, Jackdaw Lane, Oxford,OX4 1EQtel: 07850 176600www.johngibbonsbodymaster.co.uk

> 12Kinesiology Taping forthe Athlete MasterclassSpeaker: John GibbonsVenue: Oxford UniversitySport, Jackdaw Lane, Oxford,OX4 1EQtel: 07850 176600www.johngibbonsbodymaster.co.uk

> 14Functional paindisorders: The same butdifferent?Speaker: Phil Austin Venue: European School ofOsteopathy, Maidstone, Kenttel: 01622 671558email: [email protected] www.eso.ac.uk/cpd-calendar.html

> 14-19Cranio-Sacral Therapy -Introductory Course -Start of full 1 yearprofessional trainingSpeaker: Thomas AttleeVenue: London. tel: CCST on 020 7483 0120email: [email protected]

> 16–20SCC Osteopathy in theCranial Field Speaker: Ana Bennett Venue: London email: [email protected] wwwsutherlandcranialcollege.co.uk

> 17-18 Advanced Soft TissueTechniques MasterclassSpeaker: John GibbonsVenue: Oxford UniversitySport, Jackdaw Lane, Oxford,OX4 1EQtel: 07850 176600www.johngibbonsbodymaster.co.uk

> 21 Managing shoulderconditions using aprocess approachSpeaker: Prof. Eyal LedermanVenue: London, N19tel: 020 7263 8551email: [email protected] www.cpdo.net

Courses 2013Courses are listed for general information. This does not imply approval or accreditation by the GOsC. For a more comprehensive list of courses, visit the ‘CPD resources’ section of the o zonewebsite – www.osteopathy.org.uk/ozone

in p

ractice|

cou

rses


> 21-22 Craniosacral TherapyIntroductory WeekendSpeaker: Michael Kern DOBCST NDVenue: Skylight Centre, 49Corsica Street, London N5 1JTtel: 07000-785778email: [email protected]

> 21-22, 28-29, 9-10November Foundation course inacupuncture (3 weekendcourse)Speaker: Jennie LongbottomVenue: London, N19tel: 020 7263 8551email: [email protected] www.cpdo.net

> 22Spinal Manipulation: Day7 of 9 CompleteManipulation CourseSpeaker: Dr EedyVenue: Warwick Hilton,Warwickshiretel: 020 8504 1462email: [email protected]

> 22Integrated Body Work:Day 6 of 8 Complete BodyWork CourseSpeaker: Karen HardingVenue: Warwick Hilton,Warwickshiretel: 020 8504 1462email: [email protected]

> 22Disc Diagnosis andManagementSpeaker: Dr Graham DowningVenue: Warwick Hilton,Warwickshiretel: 020 8504 1462email: [email protected]

> 25Cervical Spine MasterclassSpeaker: John GibbonsVenue: Oxford University Sport,Jackdaw Lane, Oxford, OX4 1EQtel: 07850 176600www.johngibbonsbodymaster.co.uk

> 26Shoulder JointMasterclassSpeaker: John GibbonsVenue: Oxford University Sport,Jackdaw Lane, Oxford, OX4 1EQtel: 07850 176600www.johngibbonsbodymaster.co.uk

> 28‘E.N.T a PracticalApproach’ – treating ear,nose & throat disorders inchildren & teenagersSpeaker: Miranda ClaytonVenue: London School ofOsteopathy, London SE1 3BEtel: 07792 384592email: [email protected]/CPD

> 28SCC BLT Refresher day –Module 4 Speaker: Zenna Zwierzchowska Venue: Londonemail: [email protected] wwwsutherlandcranialcollege.co.uk

> 28Rule of the Artery(Refresher day)Speaker: Liz Hayden and Clive Hayden Venue: London email: [email protected] wwwsutherlandcranialcollege.co.uk

> 28Headaches and MigrainesSpeakers: Richard Katesmarkand Cliff LomasVenue: British School ofOsteopathytel: 07801 617 370email: [email protected]

October> 3-6 Sensory Awareness -Beyond the Five SensesSpeaker: Michael Kern DOBCST NDVenue: Skylight Centre, 49Corsica Street, London N5 1JTtel: 07000-785778email: [email protected]: www.cranio.co.uk

> 4 Working with scoliosisfrom a fascia-orientedperspectiveSpeaker: Dr Robert SchleipVenue: London, N19tel: 020 7263 8551email: [email protected] website: www.cpdo.net

> 5Cranio-Sacral Therapy – 2 Year Course (weekendformat) – start of fullprofessional trainingSpeaker: Thomas AttleeVenue: Londontel: 020 7483 0120email: [email protected]

> 5Cranio-Sacral Therapy – 2Year Course (WeekendFormat) - Start of fullprofessional trainingSpeaker: Thomas AttleeVenue: London. Tel: 020 7483 0120email: [email protected]: www.ccst.co.uk

> 5Chronic HiddenHyperventilation – the21st Century epidemicSpeaker: Michael LingardVenue: European School ofOsteopathy, Maidstone, Kenttel: 01622 671558email: [email protected] www.eso.ac.uk/cpd-calendar.html

> 5-6 Basic visceral: the thoraxSpeaker: Joanna Crill DawsonVenue: London, N19tel: 020 7263 8551email: [email protected] www.cpdo.net

> 5-6 Positional releasetechniques inmanagement of cervical,thoracic pelvic pain &dysfunctionSpeaker: Leon ChaitowVenue: London, N19tel: 020 7263 8551email: [email protected] www.cpdo.net

> 8Spinal Manipulation andMobilisation TechniqueMasterclassSpeaker: John GibbonsVenue: Oxford University Sport,Jackdaw Lane, Oxford, OX4 1EQtel: 07850 176600www.johngibbonsbodymaster.co.uk

> 9Kinesiology Taping for theAthlete MasterclassSpeaker: John GibbonsVenue: Oxford University Sport,Jackdaw Lane, Oxford, OX4 1EQtel: 07850 176600www.johngibbonsbodymaster.co.uk

> 12‘The Miserable Baby’ –Treating Feeding andDigestive Disorders inBabiesSpeaker: Miranda ClaytonVenue: London School ofOsteopathy, London SE1 3BEtel: 07792 384592email: [email protected]/CPD

Associate osteopath required in Suffolk.Part time with ability to develop a clinical listfurther. Working in an enjoyable andsupportive environment with osteopaths,physios and doctors. Please send CV toAndrew Gilmour at Parry and Gilmour byemail agilmour@parryand gilmour.co.uk01394 387818.

A highly motivated associate is requiredfor an established practice in Surrey.Exceptional patient management and adrive to grow our client base is essential.Please send CVs through toinfo@addlestonetherapy centre.co.uk tel: 01932 831 616.

Full time associate osteopath requiredto join a highly motivated team within avery busy, expanding and well-establishedmulti-therapy practice situated in the ruraltown of Nantwich, Cheshire. Full supportingadministration staff is provided and thereare excellent opportunities for professionaldevelopment. There is also a large equinedatabase and therefore opportunities foranyone interested in veterinary osteopathy.For further information call AndrewAntoniou, Practice Manager – tel 01270 629933 or visit our website:www.weaverhouse.com.

Associate wanted for very busy practice inWestport, Co. Mayo, Ireland. Initially 2-3 daysleading to full time. Osteopath should belooking for long term position. Largelystructural based practice. Mentoringprovided by principal. All enquiries and CVsto [email protected].

Osteopathic practice for sale in Buxton,Derbyshire. Town centre conservation area;shop front reception with consulting roomto rear and two-storey flat above.Established 24 yrs mostly with involuntarymechanism but scope for wider practice.Freehold £149,950. [email protected].

LONDON, Regent Street W1 clinic,equidistant Oxford Circus and PiccadillyCircus underground stations. Available onMondays, Wednesdays and Fridays(including evenings and weekends). Meet-and-greet reception, light and quietsmall clinic with aircon and WiFi. Pleasephone 020 8815 0979.

Goodwill of osteopathic practiceavailable: Nottinghamshire. Practiceestablished 30 years. Located in centre ofbusy market town, on main road withexcellent transport links. Half an hour frombeautiful Peak District. Ground flooraccommodation within multidisciplinaryprivate clinic comprising osteopathy,physiotherapy, chiropody, beauty therapy,dental technician, hypnotherapy.Accommodation includes fully equippedconsulting room with Atlas manipulationcouch, traction couch and ultrasound,reception area, office, toilets and waitingroom. Disabled access. On-site parking. Thisosteopathic clinic generates a gross incomeof £70,000 based on a 3½ day week. Thepractice must be disposed of quickly. I willgive the goodwill away for free provided theincoming osteopath pays three years’ rent(£500 pcm plus services) in advance. Notime wasters. This is an unbelievable

opportunity for a serious practitioner. Forfurther details contact Lisa on 07845 873074,or email [email protected].

PRACTICE FOR SALE, South East London,ideal quiet location, well established, hugepotential, one room, 50/50 structural/cranial.Good transport links. Includes fixtures andfittings. For more information pleasecontact Julie on M: 07766 740171 and E: [email protected].

Rooms to let in DeddingtonOxfordshire. Four fully serviced light andairy professional therapy and treatmentrooms with contemporary wash-handbasins in each, treatment couch orcomfortable seating as required. Wi-Fi viathe new 40mb superfast fibre opticbroadband service. Decorated throughoutto a very high standard in calm and relaxingshades. Great location, Prices negotiabledepending on contract/flexibility. Monthly,weekly, daily and hourly rates available.Please call Robert 07753 124190 or [email protected] –www.ashcrofttherapycentre.co.uk.

3 Treatment/ Therapy rooms available torent in our recently refurbished to a highstandard in Aldershot Hampshire.Competitive rates. Please contact KarenWillis-Tolmie on 07568 195997.

INTEGRATE PILATES INTO YOURCLINICAL PRACTICE NOW. Learn theprimary tools to teach Pilates in any clinicalsetting. You have heard about the benefitsof Pilates but are too busy to invest timeand money in a full training course at thisstage of your professional career. Polestar®Pilates has designed a fast-track programmejust for you: Polestar’s Gateway for PhysicalTherapists & Healthcare Professionals. Thegenius is in the education structure andmultimedia support materials which giveyou a simple yet complete introduction toPilates and an opportunity to add anadditional revenue stream to your clinicalpractice. If you have always wanted toimplement Pilates in your professionalpractice, Gateway is for you. London 7-8September plus online resource. Info andbooking at pilatesgateway.com Powered byPolestar® Pilates.

JEMS Movement ART (Analysis,Treatment and Rehabilitation) Part 1:Understanding and Interpreting FunctionalMovement in Clinical Practice. September 7-8, 2013 (Burton-upon-Trent) OR October12-13, 2013 (London). “This has been a gamechanger for me in how I treat, observe andadvise patients.” Registered Osteopath.Contact: [email protected],www.jemsmovement.com.

Biodynamic Craniosacral TherapyTraining - two-year part time course inLondon commences in October 2013.Probably the most comprehensive cranialtraining available worldwide, taught byhighly experienced teachers. Course director:Michael Kern D.O. B.C.S.T. N.D. - author of"Wisdom In The Body: The CraniosacralApproach To Essential Health". IntroductoryWeekend with Michael Kern on September21st/22nd. For further details please contactCraniosacral Therapy Educational Trust 07000 785778, Email: [email protected],Website: www.cranio.co.uk.

RECRUITMENT

CLASSIFIEDS

COMMERCIAL

Classifieds:

Up to 40 words – £40 + VAT, thereafter 20p per word.Please email, fax or postyour copy to:

Donna BookerThe Wealden GroupCowden CloseHorns Road, HawkhurstKent TN18 4QTtel: 01580 753 322fax: 01580 754 104email: [email protected]

Box number replies:

£7.50 + VAT per box numberper issue. Please contactDonna Booker on theabove details.

The publishers reserve theright to refuse any editorialcontributions oradvertisements withoutexplanation, and copy maybe edited for length andclarity.

Marketplace displayadvertisement rates:

Advertising salescontact:

The AdvertisementManagerThe Wealden GroupCowden Close Horns RoadHawkhurstKent TN18 4QT

tel: 01580 753 322fax: 01580 754 104email: [email protected]

Insideback coverFull page1/2 page1/4 page1/8 page

Mono or 2 colour

N/A£285£230£165£110

Full colour

£370£340£250£190£120

INSERTS: A sample or draft artwork of all inserts must beprovided for approval by the GOsC, prior to booking. TheGOsC can accept no liability whatsoever for inserts that havebeen produced without prior approval.

Able2 UK Ltd, Moorgate Street, Blackburn, Lancashire BB2 4PB T: 01254 619000 F: 01254 619001 E: [email protected]


marketp

lace

COURSES


marketp

lace


marketp

lace

A pioneering insurance package speci� cally designed for you

INDIVIDUAL OSTEOPATHS

Telephone: 01684 580 771Web: www.balens.co.ukEmail: [email protected] and H&L Balen & Co. are Authorised and Regulated by the Financial Services Authority

BALENS INDIVIDUAL OSTEOPATHS INSURANCE PACKAGE

BALENSSpecialist Insurance Brokers

Balens are a 4th generation, ethical family business providing exclusive insurance schemes in the UK, Southern Ireland and Europe. Business Contents, Income Protection and Clinic packages also available. Balens are a one stop shop for all Insurance and Financial Service needs.

Discounts available for student & newly quali� ed Osteopaths

O� ering you oneof the widest

Insurance covers available in the UK with competitive

premiums to match

Caring forthe carers

» £6m Medical Malpractice» £6m Professional Indemnity» £6m Public & Products Liability» £6m Liability for any one claim with an unlimited number of claims per year plus unlimited legal defence costs in addition» £10m Cover available if required for an additional £16.00 per annum

» Taxation and Legal Package» Personal Accident Cover included» Cover for temporary work abroad

» Policies available in Europe» Includes nearly 3,000 di� erent therapies / activities» Run o� cover included for an unlimited period if ceasing the policy

(USA & Canada by referral)

PER YEAR(Including Fees & Taxes)

£194

p g p g p �

Join in the discussion on the‘Ask the GOsC’ forum on theo zone

www.osteopathy.org.uk

What’severyonetalking about?

Documents

Review of the year p4 - Home - General Osteopathic Council · 2014-03-25 · GOsC Committee business. Chair/Chief Executive and Registrar ext 246 ... rather than a directional role