'I just don't have the tools' - Italian osteopaths' attitudes and beliefs about the management of patients with chronic pain: A qualitative study

Osteopaths displayed a greater orientation towards the biomedical dimensions of chronic pain than dimensions associated with the BPS model. Although the importance of the BPS model has been recognised as part of the osteopathic philosophy of clinical practice and the role of psychosocial factors (PS) are considered important in pain experience, the osteopaths included in this study highlighted a lack of knowledge and skills to assess and address psychosocial risk factors in the management of long term pain sufferers. These findings indicate the need for osteopaths to acquire additional skills and knowledge in professional training programs to develop a more operational holistic view in managing chronic pain sufferers.