Evaluation of New Zealand osteopathy patients experiences of their treatment.

Objectives: To investigate the experiences of patients seeking osteopathy treatment in New Zealand; and to describe their perceptions of osteopathic treatment.
Design: Survey-based research design.
Setting: Private osteopathy practices.
Main Outcome Measures: Demographic survey and the Patient Perception Measure-Osteopathy (PPM-O).
Results: Twelve osteopaths were recruited as practitioners. Responses from 107 patients were analysed. Approximately 75% of patients reported receiving a 'mostly cranial' treatment approach. The majority of patients (96.2%) indicated that osteopathic treatment helped their condition. The most frequently experienced sensation was 'relaxed'. A positive relationship was observed between the PPM-O and demographic variables.
Conclusions: This is the first study to report on New Zealand osteopathy patient's experience of their treatment. The sensations and emotions experienced are largely consistent with previous Australian research. Predominantly positive perceptions of osteopathic treatment were reported. The current study provides some evidence of the construct validity of the PPM-O in a New Zealand patient population.
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