Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment During Post-operative Recovery: A Scoping Review.

Surgery is a common and often necessary treatment option for a wide range of medical conditions, with an estimated 40 to 50 million surgeries performed in the US alone each year. While the various types of surgeries performed may be effective in treating or managing different conditions, the post-operative period can be challenging for patients. Osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) is a hands-on approach to medical care that seeks to restore balance and harmony to the body from the lens of an interconnected mind, body, and spirit. Given the potential for adverse events in patients following surgical treatments, OMT may be a viable adjunct post-operatively to enhance patient care and recovery. The purpose of this scoping review is to evaluate the state of current research examining the effectiveness of OMT in improving outcomes in post-operative patients. Three hundred articles were collected; 53 duplicates were removed. Eleven independent reviewers evaluated all 247 articles. Thirty articles were identified, including nine in general surgery, six in cardiothoracic surgery, five in orthopedic surgery, four in spinal surgery, three in neurosurgery, and three others (otolaryngology, oral/maxillofacial, and gynecologic surgery). Post-operative patients were treated with various OMT techniques with myofascial release and muscle energy being some of the most common treatments utilized in all surgical fields. Many studies demonstrated the benefits of OMT usage including significant pain relief, improved and earlier bowel function, and decreased lengths of hospital stay. This study demonstrates how OMT can be effective in reducing post-operative pain, reducing the incidence of post-operative ileus, and shortening the length of stay. Further research into the utilization of OMT in post-operative patients should be considered a potential adjunct to surgical intervention, especially in vulnerable patient populations.

Transitional housing in forensic mental health: considering consumer lived experience.

BACKGROUND: For individuals involved in the forensic mental health system, access to transitional housing can offer a bridge between custody and independence. Using a methodology consistent with interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA), this study considers the meaning associated with such participation. In this Canadian study, data was collected via interview with six individuals (n = 6) who resided, for a minimum six (6) months, in justice focused transitional housing that involved a partnership between a rural forensic mental health care facility and a nearby urban transitional housing provider. RESULTS: Following each participant interview, data was transcribed verbatim and coded for themes. Multiple methods were employed to support trustworthiness. Results indicate that participation enabled enhanced social participation, self-esteem/efficacy, community integration and renewal of daily living skills. Participants identified that involvement in justice focused transitional housing enabled development of community living skills, cultivated self-confidence and enhanced personal resilience in their transition from a secure forensic mental health facility to more independent community tenure. CONCLUSIONS: Participants in this research clearly identified the importance of transitional housing programs in supporting their move from a forensic mental health facility to the community. Not all forensic involved individuals will need this type or level of support to support their transition. Practically, however, the nature of forensic hospitalization can present real challenges for occupational participation and maintenance of community living skills. Transitional housing, accountable to unique forensic mental health and justice inputs, can offer a valuable bridge to the community.