Blajer, Jelena (2004) Analysis of co-pathologies in 1000 patients attending an osteopathic teaching clinic. Coursework Master thesis, Victoria University.

Abstract

Osteopaths primarily treat musculoskeletal disorders, but as primary health care providers, also need to diagnose and recognise co-pathologies, and understand the implications any past conditions may have on a patient's present complaint. These conditions may affect the patient's presenting complaint, and consequently influence the type and effectiveness of osteopathic treatment given, but may also have important safety implications of their own. The current study aims to investigate the types and frequency of co-pathologies and signs and symptoms of possible co-pathologies seen by students in a teaching clinic, and to relate those to known national averages. Thus initiate a process of exploration that will ultimately help students and educators gain a broader understanding of patient demographics and the most commom co-pathologies seen by student osteopaths. Conclusions: Osteopaths predominantly treat patients with musculoskeletal problems, however most patients we see will have at least one co-pathology present in their medical history, demonstrating the need for an increased public awareness of the potential for osteopaths to play a part in patient's general healthcare. Tha patterns identified generally corresponded with the trends identified in the known national averages. Students need to have greater exposure to the conditions that were not commonly identified in the current study but common in the wider community, such as arthritides. Co-pathologies can influence a patient's musculoskeletal complaint, as well as the type and efficacy of osteopathic treatment. Therefore it is important that students and educators alike are aware of the prevalent co-pathologies so that the curriculum is tailored to include these conditions, so that graduates are better prepared for life in private practice. This minor thesis was written by a post-graduate student as part of the requirements of the Master of Health Science (Osteopathy) program.

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