Members survey 2009
A survey among the members of Norwegian Osteopathic Association, NOF was carried out in September through November 2009 in order to obtain information on the working situation of the NOF members and how they deal with the transfer of or establishing an osteopathic practice versus a physical therapy practice. The results were compared with a similar survey from 2007.
Here are the results and conclusion.
2.1 Introduction
A survey among the members of Norwegian Osteopathic Association, NOF was carried out
in September through November 2009 in order to obtain information on the working
situation of the NOF members and how they deal with the transfer of or establishing an
osteopathic practice versus a physical therapy practice. The results were compared with a
similar survey from 2007.
2.2 Main Conclusion
The main conclusions from the survey form a firm basis for stating that osteopathy is a
distinct profession among other health care professions, and that osteopathy is available
throughout Norway.
This is confirmed by the increasing number of osteopaths working full time and part-time
as osteopaths. The osteopaths have a strong dedication to the osteopathic profession, and
do not seek a double authorisation as osteopath and physiotherapist, and they are
prepared to relinquish the authorisation as physiotherapist the day the authorisation as
osteopath is valid.
2.3 The Results
The membership survey from 2007 showed that 81% of the osteopaths work in
osteopathic practice full time or part-time. 42% were working in full time practice.
The 2009 survey showed that 83% work as osteopaths full time or part-time. 43% are
working full time, i.e. a 1% increase for those with full time osteopathic practice and totally
and increase of 3%.
The 2007 survey also showed that 58% of the osteopaths do not have any economical
management appointment with the local county with an obligation to run a physical therapy
practice. The similar result from the 2009 survey is 60%, i.e. a 2% increase. This illustrates
the trend of osteopathy in Norway being established as a distinct profession, not being part
of the physical therapy profession.
2.4 Survey Method
A questionnaire was prepared by an internet poll provider company
www.surveymonkey.com
The link to the questionnaire was issued to all members of the NOF by e-mail. The survey
ensured anonymity, except for information about geographical location.
The questionnaire was issued three times during the period September through November
2009. The response percentage was 54.2% (n=129) among the 230 members of the
