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    An exploration of the experience of parents in the osteopathic treatment of their infants

    Gardner, Karen

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    Karen Gardner MOst.pdf (626.6Kb)
    Date
    2011
    Citation:
    Gardner, K. (2011). An exploration of the experience of parents in the osteopathic treatment of their infants. A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Osteopathy, Unitec New Zealand.
    Permanent link to Research Bank record:
    https://hdl.handle.net/10652/1866
    Abstract
    AIM: The aim of this phenomenological study was to describe the experience of parents seeking and participating in the osteopathic treatment of their infants. BACKGROUND: Although there is some literature in the treatment of infants’ from a mother’s perspective, there is very little literature which combines both parents’ perspectives. METHODS: Parents of infants aged between 6 months and two years who had sought osteopathic treatment for their infant participated. Data was collected by in-depth interviews conducted in the family homes and workplaces of the participants. These interviews consisted of five interviews where three involved both parents and two involved individual parents. The resultant data were analyzed using van Manen’s (1997) hermeneutical phenomenological approach. RESULTS: Three phenomenological themes emerged from this study. From uncertainty and anxiousness, parents determined that something is not quite right and this influenced them to seek osteopathy. Parents found osteopathy through friends and family and their own previous experiences with osteopathy. Trust and communication within the triangular relationship between infants’, parents’ and osteopaths was most important in the positive outcomes of treatment. The Future requires a perception change from parents with regard to the scope of osteopathy. CONCLUSIONS: When presented with a situation of uncertainty, parents work through different stages of enquiry as how to best resolve their infant’s complaints. Osteopaths need to adapt their communication within this triangular relationship in order to build trusting therapeutic relationships. Community awareness and education in the osteopathic treatment of infants is paramount to ensure our infants’ future health.
    Keywords:
    parent experience, osteopathic medicine, infants, phenomenological research
    ANZSRC Field of Research:
    110499 Complementary and Alternative Medicine not elsewhere classified
    Degree:
    Master of Osteopathy
    Supervisors:
    Gasquoine, Susan; Niven, Elizabeth
    Rights:
    This digital work is protected by copyright. It may be consulted by you, provided you comply with the provisions of the Act and the following conditions of use: Any use you make of these documents or images must be for research or private study purposes only, and you may not make them available to any other person. You will recognise the author's and publishers rights and give due acknowledgement where appropriate.
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    • Osteopathy Dissertations and Theses [194]

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