Osopathic medicine currently serves the health needs of more than 30 million Americans. In this book the author chronicles the history of this once-controversial medical movement from its origins in the nineteenth century to the present, describing the philosophy and practice of osteopathy as well as its impact on medical care.
For the first time, a 60-person team of internationally renowned editors and authors presents a textbook of osteopathic medicine that is oriented towards clinical symptoms. Introductory chapters on history, philosophy and the spread of osteopathy are followed by a presentation of its scientific basis that clearly demonstrates how firmly osteopathy is rooted in science. Further chapters cover osteopathic research, diagnosis and principles of treatment. Two parts on therapeutic strategies in osteopathic practice form the core of this book. The first is divided into regions of the body, the second into clinical specialties that offer opportunities for osteopathic treatment. In both clinical parts, osteopathic therapy is presented in the entirety in which it is actually practiced - without the common but artificial separation of parietal, visceral and craniosacral treatment. First, the clinical symptom is explained from a medical perspective, then the osteopathic perspective and and treatment is presented. Thus, the title is not only suitable for conveying a profound understanding of osteopaths in training, be they doctors or non-medical practitioners, but also as a clinical reference of osteopathic medicine for everyday treatment.
The Institute of Medicine study Crossing the Quality Chasm (2001) recommended that an interdisciplinary summit be held to further reform of health professions education in order to enhance quality and patient safety. Health Professions Education: A Bridge to Quality is the follow up to that summit, held in June 2002, where 150 participants across disciplines and occupations developed ideas about how to integrate a core set of competencies into health professions education. These core competencies include patient-centered care, interdisciplinary teams, evidence-based practice, quality improvement, and informatics. This book recommends a mix of approaches to health education improvement, including those related to oversight processes, the training environment, research, public reporting, and leadership. Educators, administrators, and health professionals can use this book to help achieve an approach to education that better prepares clinicians to meet both the needs of patients and the requirements of a changing health care system.