Draper-Rodi Jerry, Fawkes Carol, Bailey Daniel
National Council for Osteopathic Research, Health Sciences University, 275 Borough High Street, London, SE1 1JE, UK.
Centre for Osteopathic Research and Leadership, UCO School of Osteopathy, Health Sciences University, 275 Borough High Street, London, SE1 1JE, UK.
Sci Rep. 2025 Jul 21;15(1):26396. doi: 10.1038/s41598-025-11527-4.
This original research details the development of the UK's first osteopathic Practice-Based Research Network (PBRN), the NCOR Research Network, which represents a significant advancement in research capacity. This intellectually coherent framework provides essential baseline data on practitioners, their clinical activities, and patient demographics, with significant potential to influence professional development, education, and healthcare policy. Data were collected through a cross-sectional online survey study conducted between September 2023 and December 2023. The study included 570 osteopaths registered with the General Osteopathic Council who consented to participate in the NCOR Research Network. We examined demographic characteristics of osteopaths, details of their clinical practice, patient demographics, common presenting complaints, treatment approaches, and attitudes towards evidence-based practice. The median age bracket of participants was 50-59 years, with 55% identifying as women. Participants had a median of 17 years of clinical experience. Most worked in private practice (71% as principals, 32% as associates), seeing 20-39 h of patients per week. The majority (87%) regularly treated adults aged 65 or older. Low back pain was the most common complaint seen daily (56%). Spinal articulation/mobilization (79%) and soft tissue massage (78%) were the most frequently used techniques. Participants reported positive views towards evidence-based practice but cited lack of research skills and time as barriers to engagement. The NCOR Research Network provides a foundation for future osteopathic research in the UK. While the sample was not fully representative of UK osteopaths, it offers insights into current osteopathic practice. The network aims to foster collaboration between clinicians and academics, potentially bridging the gap between research and practice in osteopathy. Protocol registration: https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/HPWG4.
这项原创研究详细介绍了英国首个基于整骨疗法实践的研究网络（PBRN）——NCOR研究网络的发展情况，该网络代表了研究能力的重大进步。这个逻辑连贯的框架提供了关于从业者、他们的临床活动以及患者人口统计学的重要基线数据，对专业发展、教育和医疗政策具有重大影响潜力。数据通过2023年9月至2023年12月进行的一项横断面在线调查研究收集。该研究纳入了570名在整骨疗法总会注册并同意参与NCOR研究网络的整骨疗法师。我们研究了整骨疗法师的人口统计学特征、他们临床实践的细节、患者人口统计学、常见就诊主诉、治疗方法以及对循证实践的态度。参与者的年龄中位数在50 - 59岁之间，55%为女性。参与者的临床经验中位数为17年。大多数人从事私人执业（71%为主治医师，32%为助理医师），每周看诊患者20 - 39小时。大多数人（87%）经常治疗65岁及以上的成年人。腰痛是每天最常见的主诉（56%）。脊柱关节调整/松动术（79%）和软组织按摩（78%）是最常用的技术。参与者对循证实践持积极态度，但表示缺乏研究技能和时间是参与的障碍。NCOR研究网络为英国未来的整骨疗法研究奠定了基础。虽然样本并不完全代表英国的整骨疗法师，但它提供了对当前整骨疗法实践的见解。该网络旨在促进临床医生和学者之间的合作，有可能弥合整骨疗法研究与实践之间的差距。方案注册：https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/HPWG4 。
