Osteopathic graduates perceptions of stress and competence – A longitudinal study

ObjectiveThe 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.ParticipantsStudents who graduated in 2010 from Victoria University's osteopathy program.MethodParticipants 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.ResultsJob related stressors experienced were different from those expected by students, however, the overall level of stress as a new practitioner was accurately anticipated by students. New graduates were found to experience high levels of stress caused by: managing tricky patients; feeling like they should know everything; medico-legal issues; time management; and, overwork. Students in their final months of the osteopathy program felt more competent than after six months in practice. However, they perceived a lack of competence in: establishing a prognosis and using appropriate outcome measures; managing risks; maintaining currency of knowledge and skills; and, maintaining current knowledge of other health practices.ConclusionOsteopathy graduates have similar experiences of stress and perception of competence to other health graduates in their transition to practice. New graduates in osteopathic practice perceived a lack of competence in several clinical areas. Mentorship and graduate programs are required to ensure osteopathic graduates are supported in their early professional careers.