CP10 - FHCN DO Medicine: Effectiveness of educational events on osteopathic medicine awareness amongst healthcare workers at Family HealthCare Network

Poster Type: Research

Category: A. T. Still University

Research Objectives: Given the complex history of medical licensure and the relatively small number of osteopathic physicians, it is the interest of this research to both quantify and modulate awareness of the osteopathic medicine profession amongst healthcare workers. Additionally, attitudes toward the profession are examined for correlation to one’s awareness level.

Study Design/Methods: Family HealthCare Network (FHCN) providers and staff (MD, NP, midwife, PA, and medical assistants) completed optional, identical and anonymous surveys measuring awareness before and after a presentation about the DO profession. A presentation was given that highlighted the similarities and differences between DOs and MDs in addition to teaching about OMT (osteopathic manipulative treatment) through demonstration. A survey measuring attitudes toward DOs was completed afterwards. The data were analyzed using a paired T-test comparing the pre-survey and post survey; the correlation between the quantified change in awareness and the attitude survey responses were examined using a Two Proportion Z-Test.

Principal Findings and Quantitative/Qualitative Results: One trial (n = 25 staff/providers, Participation rate= 25/35, .71) was performed. Pre- and Post- surveys were given to all present at the staff and provider meeting with a response rate of 100%. The average score pre-education was 39% and improved post-education to 84% (t-score, 6.36, p-value xtagstartz0.01). Data also showed 96% were more likely to recommend a DO to a patient for medical care, be interested in receiving OMT, and viewing OMM as beneficial for their patients. Effectively, 92% of people answered that they felt comfortable explaining what a DO is after participating in our presentations.

Conclusions on Impact on Health Centers: Results showed we were successful in raising the awareness amongst staff and providers at FHCN Mooney of the distinctions of the DO profession. Our educational material has enhanced the knowledge of osteopathic medicine in our medical providers and showed signs of increased confidence in DOs. This project also showed the potential for other CHCs using our design to educate their health centers using our adaptable education material. The benefits could yield higher patient satisfaction and care in CHCs. Future research on this project would provide a greater sample size to determine greater changes in provider attitudes regarding DOs.

Author(s):

Alisa Seng, OMS Student, AT Still University, School of Medicine in Arizona

Gabrielle Brow, OMS Student, AT Still University, School of Medicine in Arizona

Hira Aladroos, OMS Student, AT Still University, School of Medicine in Arizona

Cody Brazeal, OMS Student, AT Still University, School of Medicine in Arizona

Joshua Daniel, OMS Student, AT Still University, School of Medicine in Arizona

Sasha Haddad, OMS Student, AT Still University, School of Medicine in Arizona

Patrick Matian, MS, OMS Student, AT Still University, School of Medicine in Arizona

Gurjit Mundh, OMS Student, AT Still University, School of Medicine in Arizona

Khaled Saleh, OMS Student, AT Still University, School of Medicine in Arizona

Hasnoor Sandhu, OMS Student, AT Still University, School of Medicine in Arizona

Joy H. Lewis, DO, PhD, FACP, Professor, Medicine and Public Health Chair, SOMA Dept. of Public Health, A T Still University School of Osteopathic Medicine