Abstract
Aim
The aim of this study was to evaluate the perceptions of registered chiropractors within the Western Cape (WC), Eastern Cape (EC), Northern Cape (NC), and KwaZulu Natal (KZN) provinces in South Africa with regard to the role, identity, and future of chiropractic. A secondary aim of the study looked at whether there is a correlation between the perceived role and perceived identity of chiropractors. The aims of the study were addressed by measuring the perception and attitudes of the chiropractic profession.
Method
This study used a cross-sectional, quantitative, and exploratory design. An online survey was electronically distributed to the 802 chiropractors registered with Allied Health Professions Council of South Africa, of which 398 were actively practising in WC, EC, KZN and NC provinces. Google Forms, an online survey platform, was used to design and capture the results of the survey questionnaire. The resulting sample size, with a response rate of 20.4%, consisted of 81 chiropractors. The questionnaire consisted of 2 sections, namely demographic data (age, gender, institution of study, province in which the participant practices, years of experience and completion of an evidence-based course/s) and the perception of role, identity, and future of chiropractic.
Results
The results of this study are based on a Likert scale ranging from ‘’1- strongly disagree’’ to ‘‘5- strongly agree’’. This shed light on the following: the majority of chiropractors in the WC, EC, NC, and KZN had similar perceptions of the role, identity, and future of chiropractic in South Africa.
The majority of chiropractors agreed that the role of chiropractic is to detect and eliminate vertebral subluxations and include preventative care to prevent recurrence and exacerbations of chronic conditions. A vast majority of chiropractors want to move away from the belief that adjusting to the spines corrects “disease” and thus in this area turn away from traditional chiropractic theories. This is contradictory as the vertebral subluxations model is considered a traditional chiropractic theory.
Chiropractors agreed that the chiropractic identity will be better defined and understood by including clinical chiropractic training and postgraduate residencies in integrative medical settings. Chiropractors should be educated in evidence-based practice, and chiropractic theories should be updated and enriched based on current scientific advancements, which allows for a unified identity in the chiropractic profession. The majority agreement on the identity of chiropractic is a refinement to becoming a united profession that is better understood and promoted to the public.
Chiropractors predicted a greater scope of practice in the future, consisting of a healthy lifestyle advice screening for poor nutrition, weight management, and body mass index, screening for hazardous alcohol consumption, smoking, and physical inactivity.
Conclusion
This concludes that chiropractors are moving towards a unified identity, clearly defined role, and expanding future. A product or service that is understood, gets used. A common theme in this study is that South African chiropractors had the same or similar ideas about the profession.