1. Introducing the new Osteopathic Practice Standards
Velia Soames, Head of Regulation

2. Osteopathic Practice Standards
Published in July 2011
Comprises both:
Standard of Proficiency
Code of Practice for osteopaths
Existing documents in force until
31 August 2012

3. Osteopathic Practice Standards
What’s new?
Code and Standards brought together
Arranged into four key themes
Separation of standards and guidance
Specific changes to Standard of Proficiency set out at page 28 of OPS

4. Osteopathic Practice Standards
Four key themes
Communication and patient partnership
Knowledge, skills and performance
Safety and quality in practice
Professionalism

5. Standards and guidance
Requirements
Provides the framework within which you should operate
Guidance
How you can meet the standards
Provides a flexible and individual approach

6. Standards and guidance
This ...
From the current Code of Practice
COMMUNICATING WITH PATIENTS
21. You should use your professional judgement to assess what information will most help your patients understand their condition and the treatment options available. The use of non-technical language, diagrams and models will assist.
22. You should encourage your patients to ask questions if anything is not clear to them or if they require further information. You should encourage patients to take an active part in any decisions that need to be made.
RELATIONSHIPS WITH COLLEAGUES
73. In modern healthcare, professionals often practise in association with others. Patients rightly expect to receive advice or treatment from the practitioner most suited to their needs. You should work in co-operation with other osteopaths and healthcare professionals to secure the best care for each individual patient.

7. Standards and guidance
Becomes this ...
CODE OF PRACTICE
STANDARDS
GUIDANCE
A5 Work in partnership
with patients to find
the best treatment for
them.
You should encourage patients to ask questions about their treatment and to take an active part in the treatment plan and any decisions that need to be made.
The most appropriate treatment for patients will sometimes involve:
2.1. referring them to another osteopath or other healthcare professional.
2.2. providing advice on self-care.
2.3. Not treating them at all.
Note also: A1, C1, C2, C5,D8

8. Standards and guidance
Standards Guidance
‘Must’ ‘May’
Expected to comply Have a choice – use your professional discretion
‘Should’
Used to indicate how standard can be met, or where relevant duty won’t apply in all circumstances or situations

9. Support for osteopaths
Articles:
The Osteopath
Fitness to Practise e-bulletin
o zone website
Interactive quiz

10. Support for osteopaths
E-learning
Supplementary guidance
Regional conferences

11. Communicating risk
Difficult area – highlighted by the Code of Practice 2005
Important for patients
More information now available
NCOR Adverse Events projects

12. Communicating benefits and risks
Focus for today:
Benefits and risks – what we now know from research
Effective ways to communicate benefits and risks to your patients

13. 1 September 2012