A study to investigate the perceptions of osteopathy within the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS)

Philip Paton                                                                                                Supervisor: Robin Kirk

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to gain an understanding of perceptions and awareness of osteopathy within the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) amongst police officers and civilian support staff. It seeks to identify if they perceive osteopathy as a treatment solely for back pain and to see what their treatment of choice has previously been. Finally it aims to determine if the osteopathic profession has been successful in promoting osteopathy as a system of health care for a wide variety of complaints to such a group as the Police Service.
The experience of the researcher, a serving Metropolitan Police Officer is that the baseline knowledge of osteopathy among MPS staff is generally poor and that it does not appear to be the treatment of choice for individuals who have previously received physical therapies.

A questionnaire was designed and sent to all police officers and civilian staff within the Territorial Support Group (TSG) from all five policing areas of London. A total of 448 questionnaires were sent out via internal MPS intranet. There were 272 returns. However, 14 were returned completed incorrectly and 12 were not saved prior sending back via email. This left 246 questionnaires available for analysis.

Findings of the study revealed that osteopathy is commonly recognised by MPS staff (93%). However, physiotherapy proved to be the most popular treatment of choice. It also highlighted the lack of awareness and understanding of the wide range of conditions which osteopathy can treat. The results are presented using graphs, charts and percentages.