Table 2 The 34 most prevalent aspects of expectations of osteopathic care, ranked by % positive responses

I expect to be able to ask questions

I expect the osteopath to listen to me

I expect to be treated with respect.

I expect to be given a clear explanation of my problem that I understand

I expect the osteopath to only treat one patient at one time

I expect the osteopath to take a detailed account of my clinical history.

I expect the clinic environment to be hygienic and professional looking

I expect the osteopath to make me feel at ease

I expect to be given advice about how to manage my symptoms myself

I expect my questions to be answered to my satisfaction

I expect to be reassured that the information that I am asked to provide will be kept confidential

I expect to be given advice on how to prevent the same problem happening again

I expect my osteopathic treatment to be value for money

I expect to be given a choice of appointment times

I expect the practice to display evidence of the osteopaths professional qualifications

I expect the osteopath to monitor my reaction to his/her treatment

I expect to be given information about the risks and side effects of treatment

I expect to see the same osteopath each time

I expect to be able to phone the osteopath for advice if I needed

I expect the osteopath to identify my problem area with her/his hands.

I expect the osteopath to be sympathetic and caring

I expect to be given an explanation of what the treatment will involve before it is given

I expect to be given information about the benefits of treatment

I expect the consultation to last at least thirty minutes

I expect the waiting area to be comfortable and relaxing

I expect to be involved in making decisions about my treatment

I expect the osteopath to refer me elsewhere if my symptoms are not improving

I expect to be given activities or exercises to do at home

I expect the practice to make provision for people with disabilities

I expect to be asked about effects of previous treatment

If I am not satisfied with any part of my treatment I would expect to be given information about how to make a formal complaint

I would expect there to be communication between my osteopath and GP if necessary

Before my first treatment I expect to be given information about what will happen during treatment.

I expect to be given a clear osteopathic diagnosis of my problem at my first appointment.