Clinical decision making and therapeutic approaches of experienced osteopaths

Abstract

Clinical decision-making refers to the social, cognitive and interactive processes by which practitioners make choices in relation to the examination, diagnosis, treatment and management of patients. It is fundamental for effective and efficient clinical practice and is central to professional autonomy and accountability. As the profession continues to grow, osteopathy is playing an increasingly important role in musculoskeletal healthcare. While research has identified the clinical decision-making approaches taken by a range of healthcare professions, there is limited understanding of how osteopaths make decisions in relation to clinical practice. The aim of this research was to construct an explanatory theory of the clinical decision-making and therapeutic approaches of experienced osteopaths in the UK.

Date of Award	2013
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	University of Brighton