The Biopsychosocial Model: Redefining Osteopathic Philosophy?
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International Journal of Osteopathic Medicine (2013) 16,33e37 www.elsevier.com/ijos The Biopsychosocial model: Redefining osteopathic philosophy? J. Nicholas Penney Spinal Research Unit, University of Huddersfield, 30 Queen Street, Huddersfield HD1 2SP, West Yorkshire, England, UK Received 25 February 2012; revised 14 November 2012; accepted 4 December 2012 KEYWORDS Abstract The Biopsychosocial model (BPS), first proposed by Engel in 1980, can be Biopsychosocial; considered as both a philosophy of clinical care, and a practical guide to individual Osteopathic philos- patient management. The BPS model also has the benefit of extensive supportive ophy; literature. Osteopathic philosophy, however, remains poorly defined and suffers Science; from both a lack of published corroborating evidence of effectiveness, and a univer- Evidence sally accepted definition of practice. This potentially leaves the osteopathic profes- sion drifting against the tide of evidence-based practice clinging to the ‘life raft’ of what it perceives to be a distinctive philosophy, but without the evidence to support or justify swimming against the tide. As the osteopathic profession reviews its underpinning philosophy and its relevance in a fast changing evidence-based care environment, the BPS model potentially provides the answers to a number of the issues surrounding the current and future practice of osteopathy. In review- ing the accepted tenets of osteopathic philosophy in light of the BPS model, it is necessary to briefly consider aspects of science and evidence as well as the art of clinical care which all contribute to evidence-based ‘best practice’. ª 2012 Published by Elsevier Ltd. Introduction be considered as both a philosophy of clinical care for the practitioner which includes a practical The Biopsychosocial model (BPS) was first guide to individual patient management and 2 proposed by George Engel in 1980.1 The model can aspects of self appraisal for the practitioner. The model is recognized by the World Health Organi- E-mail addresses: [email protected], joe_ zation, and enshrined in many clinical practice [email protected]. guidelines such as The Australian Guide to the 1746-0689/$ - see front matter ª 2012 Published by Elsevier Ltd. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ijosm.2012.12.002 34 J.N. Penney Management of Acute Musculoskeletal Pain.3 The BPS model recognizes the complexity of mind model also informs the broadest range of clinical body interaction, aspects of circular causality practice from behavioral medicine to pre-surgical and concepts of patient centered care including screening in both primary and secondary care. compassion, empathy and consideration for the However, the evidence-based model per se is patients’ suffering. considered by some of its detractors to be The BPS model is now recognized as the pre- a philosophy of its own.4 Whilst it seems unlikely eminent scientific model central to the under- that patients would deliberately choose a treat- standing of pain in general and musculoskeletal ment that was not supported by current best pain in particular.3 The BPS model also informs evidence,4 there appears to be support for the some aspects business and health management. notion that osteopathic courses should be based The BPS model of low back pain and disability was around A.T. Still’s original concepts, and taught originally endorsed by the World Health Organiza- from the (scientifically discredited) Vitalist school tion in 2000.8 An unsupportive work place and of thought, as evidenced by a recent professional management style are associated with absen- debate in Auckland. teeism from work, and those certificated as not fit Engel’s criticism of the biomedical view should for work, and receiving wage related compensa- resonate with osteopaths, because it may be tion, are known to recover more slowly.6 considered as being broadly consistent with osteo- An extensive literature on the BPS model has pathic philosophy. Engel criticized dualistic and been published over the years since Engel first reductionist thinking, and the concept of the clini- identified the need to broaden the reductionist cian as an impartial observer to the subjective biomedical approach. The model is a combination experience of the patient.2 The idea that mind and of a number of clinical elements that contribute to body should be considered and treated separately, pain and disability, and include physical (somatic) and that every aspect of the clinical case not dysfunction, distress, ‘sickness behavior’ beliefs objectively verified should be discounted, was and coping.7 The Biopsychosocial model of low questioned by Engel although it reflected the back pain and disability was originally endorsed by biomedical view of the time. The seemingly pure the World Health Organization in 2000.8 Research biomechanical focus of some contemporary osteo- has continued to identify a large range of variables pathic education and practices may also fall into this that potentially impact on the individuals’ mental trap, which may not be consistent with osteopathic and physical health, wellbeing, and ability to philosophy or the accepted current evidence-based recover from illness and disease.9e16 model of healthcare that embraces the BPS model. Whilst the complexity of some the interactions of these factors remains elusive to individual research studies, there is a growing recognition The Biopsychosocial model that many of the functional somatic syndromes seen in osteopathic practice, such as non-specific In Engel’s model, a patient’s symptoms need to be musculoskeletal pain, gastro-intestinal disturbance conceptualized as the result of a dynamic interac- and headache, are the product of complex tion between psychological, social and pathophysi- interactions, not single precipitating incidents or ologic variables.5 Engel’s model has subsequently events. Although traditionally understood from the been described as a philosophical understanding of perspective of the ‘tissue causing symptoms,’ these how illness, disease and suffering are affected by somatic symptoms may be centrally generated and different levels of organization, from the molecular then expressed in the periphery. Whilst such disor- to societal.2 In many clinical practice guidelines, ders may not exhibit significant pathologies in such as those produced in Australia in 2003 for the the peripheral tissues, they are associated with management of Acute Low Back Pain, these levels of significant neurobiological, physiological and even organization are reflected in the flags classifica- anatomical changes in the central nervous system.17 tions. ‘Red flags’ are indicators of potential patho- physiologic compromise, ‘Yellow flags’ are potential indicators of psychosocial distress, and ‘Blue’ and Osteopathic philosophy ‘Black flags’ which represent societal organization, the rules and regulations of everyday life. The BPS The 4 basic tenants of osteopathic philosophy are model provides a framework for understanding how well known and described in terms such as: the patients’ subjective experience contributes to establishing an accurate diagnosis, negotiated The body is a unit, the person a unit of mind, outcomes and empathetic care.2 Specifically, the body, spirit The Biopsychosocial model 35 The body is capable of self regulation, healing A clinical practice that is based entirely on the and health maintenance philosophical beliefs of the practitioner may not be Structure and function are reciprocally in the best interests of the patient, and is clearly not interrelated defensible from a scientific perspective. Rational treatment based on the above18 On the other hand, an entirely scientific evidence-based approach to practice may also be Broad philosophical statements such as the above perceived as cold and uncaring by the patient, have both positive and negative attributes, in so far when the practitioner reviews only the data ob- as they make osteopathic practice difficult to tained from diagnostic testing in preference to define, while potentially allowing a broad scope of understanding the patient from within their own practice. Current osteopathic practice reflects context. Broad scientific and philosophical a somewhat mechanistic interpretation of Still’s considerations need to be integrated to achieve model of ‘holistic medicine’ which was born out of the best possible outcomes, in order to meet the the loss of 3 of his children to meningitis, and the clinical concerns of the practitioner and the medically induced morphine addiction of his expectations of the patient. brother. One interpretation of Stills’ philosophy was Scientific research is ranked by a hierarchy of that he was against the indiscriminate prescription evidence such as in the Australian Guidelines. of drugs, rather than drugs per se, whilst combining For the management of Acute Musculoskeletal principles of holistic medicine with the art of the Pain.3 The hierarchy ranges from meta-analysis bone setter.19 AT Still believed the body had its own (the highest form of evidence) through random- powers to combat disease, and likened human ized controlled trials, cohort studies to observa- anatomy to a steam engine which was susceptible to tion and expert consensus. This well established similar mechanical principals and dysfunction. This hierarchy is largely based on Bradford Hills’ dysfunction, in Still’s mind, came from the disloca- criteria which were published in 1965.20 Bradford tion of bones, abnormal ligaments and tight muscles Hills’ criteria