Allied Health practitioners' role in the Chronic Disease Management program: The experience of osteopathic practitioners

It is evident that this sample of osteopaths do not have a thorough knowledge of the requirements of the CDM program. In addition they report that the patients referred to them under this program have more complex problems than their usual patients, and that the current maximum of 5 subsidised treatment sessions offered are insufficient and need to be increased to up to 10 sessions. This study has highlighted the need for further research into Allied Health practitioners experience of the CDM (EPC) program, including education regarding the policies of the program, a review of the number of subsidised treatment sessions and a consideration of the more complex health and financial difficulties faced by these patients.