Osteopathic physicians have a more personal and holistic
approach to patient care than allopathic physicians (M.D.s),
according to a study.
Osteopathic physicians were more likely to discuss social,
family and emotional issues with patients; were more likely
to use patients’ first names; and were more likely to
explain etiologic factors to patients, even though the two
physician groups had similar appointment lengths.
Further studies are needed to determine whether the more
personal approach used by osteopathic physicians is associated
with better patient care.
It’s likely that many of you know I am an osteopathic
physician. For those who may not know what osteopathic
medicine is I've included a
link that thoroughly discusses it.
Throughout the years the comments I continuously receive
from patients is that D.O.s generally seem to be more interested
and caring in terms of the profession as a whole. I really
don't believe that I receive that feedback because they know
I am a D.O. However, on the other hand, many patients select
D.O.s because they are interested in finding physicians who
practice with an orientation on natural medicine.
In this area they will be sadly disappointed as nearly all
D.O.s are still rooted in the traditional paradigm. While
I think above study is all well and good, and I am very grateful
for my osteopathic training, osteopathic medicine still falls
far short of addressing the underlying cause of disease and
for the most part is still rooted in the surgical and drug
solution mode. Fortunately though, D.O.s are far more likely
to be open to adopting the necessary changes that will be
required to fully serve their patients.
Journal
of the American Osteopathic Association July, 2003;103(7):313-8
Related Articles:
An Overview of Osteopathic
Medicine
The Paradox
Of Osteopathy
