Trends in retention and attrition among osteopaths in Australia: Insights from the workforce retention and Attrition Project

<h2>Abstract</h2><h3>Objective</h3> To identify factors associated with the retention and attrition of regulated osteopaths in Australia. <h3>Methods</h3> An online survey of osteopaths and a retrospective analysis of 10 years of Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (Ahpra) osteopath registration data. <h3>Results</h3> Among surveyed osteopaths, 629 (79.2 %) intended to renew their registration, 85 (10.7 %) intended to leave, and 60 (7.6 %) were unsure. The most common reasons for staying registered included flexible work-life balance (73 %), enjoyment or fulfilling and meaningful work (69 %) and a sense of achievement (58 %). Main factors that would encourage osteopaths to stay were remuneration (60 %), opportunities for career progression (43.5 %) and a flexible work/life balance (28.2 %). Osteopaths with 5 or less years' experience and those that on casual/temporary contracts were more likely to leave. Analysis of Ahpra registration data from 2014 to 2023, showed that the number of registered osteopaths per 100,000 population increased by 57.0 %, but the number of new osteopaths entering or returning to the profession for each one that leaves decreased by 39 %, indicating higher overall numbers but lower replacement rates. <h3>Conclusions</h3> While the overall number of osteopaths increased from 2014 to 2023, the replacement rate declined, highlighting concerns about potential workforce stability, particularly among osteopaths with 5 or less years' experience as well as those in casual or temporary employment. Addressing intrinsic workplace factors such as remuneration, opportunities for career progression and a flexible work-life balance may help to encourage more osteopaths to stay in the profession.