The qualifications and geographical distribution of practising osteopaths in England, Scotland and Wales

Abstract: Aims1. To identify the number of practising osteopaths in the United Kingdom,2. To identify their levels of training and qualifications,3. To identify their geographical distribution,4. To predict their future growth rate and professional development.MethodA computerised analysis of cross referenced osteopathic professional registers and Yellow Pages directories.ResultsA total of 1,609 practitioners and 2,259 practices were found. 93.8 % of osteopaths were professionally registered. 62.3 % were regulated by the largest professional body, the GCR0. 93% of osteopaths practised at 1 or 2 locations. The practitioner to practice ratio was 1: 1. 4. The highest concentration of osteopaths appeared to be in the South of England. The present annual growth rate of the profession appears to be 17.6%. Between 1966-1988 the osteopathic profession appears to have grown by 280-400%. The practice of osteopathy is still under common law. Approximately 1 in 20 osteopaths appear to lack any formal osteopathic qualifications. The training courses in osteopathy range from no training to degree level. There is an increase in the amount of research into osteopathy. Research into osteopathy has had to overcome a number of technical limitations. Many patients bypass GPs and directly consult osteopaths. Registered osteopaths spend nearly five times as much time with a patient as GPs. Most osteopaths receive far more training in the management of neuromusculoskeletal problems than do most GPs. It is predicted that by the year 2000 there will be over 7,500 osteopathic practices. Osteopathy will probably be a statutory regulated profession that is complementary to medicine.

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