Researcher, Paula Andrade is recruiting physiotherapists, osteopaths and chiropractors with experience of working with dancers for a qualitative study looking to broaden knowledge and improve healthcare for this underrepresented population. The study will form part of Paula’s dissertation required to complete a Master of Osteopathy degree at the University College of Osteopathy.
Project Summary
This study aims to gain an in-depth understanding of perspectives of osteopaths, physiotherapists and chiropractors with experience of caring for dancers. Drawing from recent findings on how dancers experience pain, injury and healthcare, the study will explore the other side of the patient-practitioner relationship. It will focus on manual therapists’ perceptions of embodiment and dancers’ identity, and how it might affect all aspects of care for this population. Communication and treatment strategies, as well as obstacles to a successful therapeutic alliance will be examined in order to continue to broaden knowledge and improve care. Findings could be of relevance to dance-medicine training programs as well as, within a patient-centred approach, be applied more widely by practitioners who might encounter a dancer in general practice.
Research Setting
This is an interview study which will be conducted using an online platform such as Microsoft Teams or Zoom. Days and times will be arranged according to participants’ convenience, between July 2021 and February 2022. Interviews will last 30-60 minutes and will be audio recorded.
Confidentiality and ethical approval
The study has received approval from the University College of Osteopathy Research Ethics Committee after following all procedures. Interviews will be transcribed and anonymised prior to analysis. A copy of the transcript will be sent to the participants so they can check for accuracy of their views and anonymity.
Inclusion criteria
We are looking for physiotherapists, chiropractors and osteopaths with experience of treating dancers for 2+ years.
Benefits to the participant
You will be contributing your experience to educational research, and information gathered from interviews has the potential to positively influence and help to guide future care of dancers. Taking part might also help you to reflect on your own practice during the interviews.
How to take part
If you are interested in participating in this study, please email Paula.andrade@uco.ac.uk and she will send you more information.