Osteopathic graduates perceptions of stress and competence - A longitudinal study

Abstract

Objective: The objective of this study was to explore osteopathy students' perceptions of occupational stress and clinical practice competence, and how these perceptions changed after six months of osteopathic practice. Participants: Students who graduated in 2010 from Victoria University's osteopathy program. Method: Participants completed one survey as final year osteopathy students in November 2010 and one survey as registered osteopaths in July 2011. The surveys were developed by drawing on previous work investigating health professional capabilities and also graduates transition to practice. Key areas of exploration were work related stressors and self-perceived clinical competence. Res..