The UrGEnT project (Underrepresented Groups’ Experiences in osteopathic Training) assessed osteopathic students’ cultural humility disposition and explored students from underrepresented groups experience of their osteopathic training. Summary findings of the project were presented during a multi stakeholder forum on 6 April 2023 at the UCO.
The research project was conducted over different phases, as described by Mr Steven Vogel, Deputy Vice Chancellor at UCO, in this introductory video:
The forum's keynote address was made by Dr Lade Smith CBE, presenting a medical perspective of ensuring equality and diversity in Education. Dr Smith is the 18th President Elect of the Royal College of Psychiatry, a consultant psychiatrist at the South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust and an academic at King’s College London. She is also a Royal College of Psychiatry Presidential Lead for Race and Equality and Clinical and Strategic Director with the College’s National Collaborating Centre for Mental Health (NCCMH). Lade will be the College’s first Black President and the fifth woman at the helm.
Dr Jerry Draper-Rodi, Senior Research Fellow at the UCO and the Principal Investigator for UrGEnT, presented the findings of the first stage of the UrGEnt project, which comprised a systematic review of literature to explore the experiences described from students in chiropractic, osteopathic and physiotherapy undergraduate training. The review was conducted with Andrew MacMillan and David Hohenschurz-Schmidt for the UCO, and titled “Discrimination, bullying or harassment in undergraduate education in the osteopathic, chiropractic and physiotherapy professions”.
Download slidedeck for Dr Smith
Download slidedeck for Dr Draper-Rodi (systematic review)
Following the systematic review, a national survey was conducted and students from all UK-based osteopathic educational institutions in the UK were invited to take part. The survey assessed their experience during their undergraduate training and also their self-rated cultural humility. Mr Steven Vogel presented the results of this survey.
Download slidedeck for Mr Vogel
In order to better understand students’ experiences, a series of focus groups were conducted by the research team with students who were female, from an ethnic minority group, identifying as LGBTQIA+ and/or living with a disability. One of the aims of these focus groups was also to prioritise what the osteopathic educational institutions could do to enhance their inclusivity. Dr Draper-Rodi presented an overview of the results of these focus groups, followed by a panel discussion with some of the research team members.
Download slidedeck for Dr Draper Rodi (focus groups)
During the afternoon a series of workshops were run exploring the following discussion points:
- promoting and delivering an inclusive curriculum (Facilitators: Ms Yinka Fabusuyi and Mr Patrick Gauthier)
- supporting staff to provide an inclusive environment and culture (Facilitators: Dr Hilary Abbey and Dr John Hammond)
- supporting students to enhance their awareness and inclusion (Facilitators: Mr Steven Vogel and Mr Michael Ofo)
The workshops were not recorded but the summary of the discussions and action points from each workshop and closing remarks were.
The project was funded by the Osteopathic Foundation, the University College of Osteopathy, the General Osteopathic Council and the Institute of Osteopathy.