Experiences of pregnant women receiving osteopathic care.

The state of women's health during pregnancy and in the post-natal period can have profound and long-term effects on their own health and that of their children. Women are increasingly seeking complementary and alternative therapies during pregnancy. The aim of this study was to explore the experiences of women who received osteopathic treatment during pregnancy. METHOD: This phenomenological study used semi-structured interviews with pregnant patients who were undergoing osteopathic care in northern NSW and south-east Queensland, Australia. Data were analysed thematically. RESULTS: Osteopathic care provided symptom relief, particularly for low back and pelvic pain. Participants wanted a natural childbirth with minimal medical intervention if possible. Osteopathic care was perceived as helping prepare women's bodies for birth and in so doing helped alleviate anxieties associated with childbirth and with entering the mainstream medical system. CONCLUSIONS: Pregnant women receiving osteopathic care reported experiencing physical and mental health benefits both during pregnancy and in the post-natal period.

Preparing health students for interprofessional placements.

Clinical education increasingly includes opportunities for interprofessional (IP) placements but few opportunities for students and supervisors to adequately prepare for such placements. The aim of this project was to further develop and evaluate an online multidisciplinary resource that was originally designed to prepare students for single-discipline placements. The revised resource aimed to prepare health students and their supervisors for IP placements. The resource was trialled in host organisations with participants from naturopathy, nursing, osteopathy and pharmacy. The resource used language that was common to all participants and comprised activities that had broad relevance such as orientating students to specific placements, developing learning plans, clarifying roles, rights and responsibilities, and clinical scenarios that raised ethical and professional issues. The effectiveness of the resource as an IP learning tool was evaluated using an E-survey, focus groups and feedback from the project team. According to participants, the resource afforded insights into what other disciplines do and opportunities for cross-disciplinary interactions, which helped break down stereotypes and misconceptions. Cross-disciplinary commonalities such as those pertaining to patient care, communication and ethics became evident. Collaborative projects involving academics, clinical supervisors and students from multiple disciplines provided an opportunity for culture change in an education organisation from single discipline to a more collaborative interdisciplinary one.