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Journal: International Journal of Osteopathic Medicine Date: 2025/12, (online 2025/12/26):. doi: Subito , type of study: pretest posttest design

Full text    (https://www.journalofosteopathicmedicine.com/article/S1746-0689(25)00063-X/fulltext)

Keywords:

cervical spine [275]
clinical audit [3]
continuing professional development [1]
guidelines [44]
neck pain [157]
osteopaths [225]
pretest posttest design [210]
UK [109]
vascular pathology [1]

Abstract:

Background The International Federation of Manual and Musculoskeletal Physical Therapists Incorporated (IFOMPT) cervical framework provides evidence-based guidance for assessing patients with cervical pain to identify potential vascular pathologies. However, implementation of clinical frameworks by practitioners remains challenging. Objective To evaluate current implementation levels of the IFOMPT framework amongst osteopaths and assess the impact of an intervention that used clinical audit and group discussion to improve framework implementation. Methods An audit utilising a pre-post design was conducted with practising osteopaths who participated in structured workshops and webinars addressing vascular causes of cervical pain. Participants conducted clinical audits of their patient records before and at least three months after attending the Continuing Professional Development (CPD) event. Changes in implementation rates were analysed using descriptive statistics and chi-square. Results One hundred and fifty-six osteopaths completed the initial audit for 453 patients, and 67 osteopaths completed the reaudit for 123 patients. There were no significant differences in the age, gender, clinical role, or years in practice between osteopaths taking part in the initial audit and reaudit. For nine out of the 13 IFOMPT framework criteria featured in the audit, there was a significant increase (p=<0.05) in the criteria being recorded as ‘fully completed’ in the patients records at the follow-up audit compared to the initial audit. Conclusion A structured CPD activity incorporating clinical audit can effectively improve osteopaths' implementation of the IFOMPT framework. This study provides novel evidence for enhancing clinical framework implementation amongst osteopaths, with significant implications for continuing professional development design across manual therapy professions.

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