The EROP Guidelines are a framework of the best practices for osteopathic medicine practitioners in Europe. These guidelines were agreed in 2009 by the European Register of Osteopathic Physicians.
Core Competencies and Practice Standards
The purpose of EROP is to make sure that anybody in Europe that undergoes Osteopathic treatment receives a high level of this healthcare practice across the entire continent.
These EROP Guidelines are based on the provision of Osteopathic services in Europe for over 2,500 years.
The guidelines were also influenced by general medical ethics accepted around the world.
Influenced by the American Osteopathic Association’s seven code competencies.
The standard practices of the General Osteopathic Society (GEOSC).
Osteopathic International Alliance’s mission and objectives.
Education and information sharing concerning the benefits of Osteopathy is part of the EROP Guidelines, and its mission. The declaration of 2009 was made to highlight the objectives and core competencies of all EROP members.
To be fully recognized as EROP members, physicians have to achieve a range of relevant qualifications and practice Osteopathy to high standards:
Each candidate must already be a fully qualified doctor, whether they are a General Practioner or a specialist. To gain EROP membership, they need to study for an additional degree or diploma.
The OM course candidates should last for a minimum of 4 years and 700 hours training program.
Those who complete the OM course will understand that the human body has three distinct yet linked systems and caring for these systems is the key to successful treatment.
In OM care is provided by evaluating medical evidence and each patient’s needs.
How EROP fits in with the World Osteopathic Health Organization (WOHO)
Osteopathic healthcare relies on physicians examining patients and offering treatments to assist the mind and body. The physician works on the basis that the body is able to heal itself, and any treatment is meant to enhance the self-healing process.
Purpose of the EROP Guidelines
EROP drew up its guidelines to assist members in achieving the standards set by WOHO. Each member should have the education, training, and experience to provide high-quality Osteopathic healthcare. To be most effective members should work according to the seven core competencies:
1 Practice medical professionalism and qualified in complementary practices
2 Accept the principles and scientific basis of OM
3 Hold relevant skills and personal qualities
4 Clinical Practice
5 Partnerships with patients
6 Learning based on practice
7 Systems based medical practice
Members of EROP would make the point if asked that they are Osteopathic physicians primarily, and only consider themselves as being Osteopaths on a secondary basis. To achieve that status, they have to complete a full medical practitioner course and then complete an additional Osteopathic course. By the time they are fully qualified, they will be able to meet the standards set in the EROP guidelines and provide high-quality Osteopathic healthcare services.
Osteopathic medicine is not just confined to medical studies; it is part philosophy, part science, and also part art.