The role of osteopathy in clinical care: broadening the evidence-base

Osteopathy is a system of health care practiced in various countries throughout the world that focuses on osteopathic manual techniques as a cornerstone of patient care. However, we still know little about the practice, role and use of osteopathy within the broader health system in most countries. With this in mind, this paper proposes a possible framework for advancing further research on this topic. The framework is divided into issues associated with core stakeholders including health consumers, osteopaths, other health professionals, and policymakers and funding bodies. The development of a rigorous health services research agenda around this topic has much to offer and the framework outlined here is offered with the hope of inspiring a broader field of inquiry into osteopathy in the clinical care setting.