Osteopathic Practice Framework
This document is largely made up of things I have stolen from other people – notably Peter Buxton’s excellent article in OT some years ago which predicted precisely the problem the GOsC now faces. I have stolen ideas and words from many other people and documents as well, and I make no claims [...]
Osteopathic Practice Framework
Introduction
This document relates to the GOsC draft proposal for an Osteopathic Practice Framework (OPF). The approach taken in the draft OPF document has caused great concern to a number of osteopaths. In its consultation, the GOsC has asked for any suggestions for alternative approaches. This document is an attempt to sketch out such [...]
I attended the GOsC meeting at the weekend and I was impressed with their new openness and receptiveness to the profession. They happily accept that the documents produced to date are flawed first drafts. This makes it even more important for everyone to respond, as they are open to change. There were about 170 delegates [...]
The General Osteopathic Council (GOsC) has proudly launched their new public site, which openly asks the public to enter into the consultation process on defining osteopathy:
At present, there is considerable lack of clarity about what constitutes osteopathic practice … we would like to hear whether you feel it necessary to define osteopathy and, if so, how [...]
Defining the scope of osteopathic practice need not necessarily involve limiting our freedom to practise. I believe that a well-constructed Practice Framework document could actually safeguard us against any future attempt to limit osteopathic practice by those outside the profession who do not understand the philosophy our approach is based on. The Practice Framework is the [...]
Like it or not there is little doubt that the GOsC will go ahead with this project. Read between the lines of the draft document and you will see that there is a real potential for limiting the scope of osteopathy. I do not mean the restrictions on treating during pregnancy as it has [...]
As with most Government edicts, the proposed changes to osteopathy are generally seen as inevitable, and that we must work within the current system to make the best of what is to come.
Over recent years regulation has become the scourge of businesses of every kind, much of it in the name of ‘Health & Safety’ [...]
Attempts have been made to define osteopathy throughout the forty years I have been associated with this profession. They have failed because finally the conclusion was reached that osteopathy cannot be defined; it can only be described. To define means to place limits on. In attempting to define the scope of osteopathic practice, is the [...]
Leaving aside the first 3 paragraphs, which lay out the aims of the document, the first part of the document (up to and including paragraph 11) is OK, good or very good.
Paragraphs 12-19 are also generally OK, despite the fact that I find the whole concept of “Typical experience” objectionable. My problems with this [...]
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