Development and adaptation of the Osteopaths’ Therapeutic Approaches Questionnaire (Osteo-TAQ) for the Australian osteopathic profession - a cognitive Interview study

Background The Osteopaths’ Therapeutic Approaches Questionnaire (Osteo-TAQ) is a novel 36-item instrument developed from qualitative grounded theory research with osteopaths in the United Kingdom. The Osteo-TAQ has the potential to measure multiple domains of osteopaths’ practice including therapeutic approach, clinical decision-making and therapeutic relationship. It is unknown how well the items in the Osteo-TAQ relate to the practice of Australian osteopaths. Objectives To assess and improve the quality of the Osteo-TAQ survey items prior to utilising the Osteo-TAQ amongst the Australian osteopathic profession. Methods Cognitive interviews with six Australian registered osteopaths (n=6) were used to generate data on how participants interpreted and understood the Osteo-TAQ items. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and content analysis was used to identify issues of comprehension and ‘problem areas’ relating to the Osteo-TAQ. Results Three relatively minor problems were identified in relation to the core aspects of clinical practice (the patient, examination, treatment and management), use of possessive pronouns and Likert scale frequency response options. Conclusion These problem areas may reflect the similarities in osteopathic practice in the UK and Australia, but also indicate subtle differences in the terminology utilised by osteopaths to describe and communicate areas of their clinical practice.