Abstract
Background: Homeopaths and chiropractors are integral components of the broader alternative healthcare sector, providing services to diverse patient populations spanning from paediatric to geriatric care. Although these two disciplines are widely used, the professional relationship between them is still not well understood, particularly regarding the care of paediatric patients. It is important to clarify this as the two professions complement each other well in clinical practice. Previous research has examined the perceptions of paediatricians towards the chiropractic approach to paediatric care. This survey has been adapted for use in this study to improve our understanding of the dynamics between homeopaths and chiropractors, especially pertaining to chiropractic care of the paediatric patient. This may gather insights that benefit both chiropractors and homeopaths practicing in South Africa and help foster better collaboration between these two professions.
Aim: The aim of the study was to investigate the perceptions and opinions of homeopaths in South Africa towards the chiropractic approach to paediatric care in order to gain insight specifically regarding chiropractic training, interdisciplinary referral patterns, and the safety and effectiveness of chiropractic care.
Method: The study design was an online quantitative cross-sectional correlational study. The survey was circulated via the Allied Health Professions Council of South Africa (AHPCSA) to all homeopaths registered with the council in 2025. The survey consisted of dichotomous questions and a 5-point-Likert scale which determined the perceptions and opinions of homeopaths towards chiropractic training, interdisciplinary referral habits and the safety and effectiveness of the chiropractic approach to paediatric care.
Results: The overall response rate to the survey was 17.57% (n=100). Homeopaths registered with the AHPCSA demonstrated a high level of awareness towards the educational training of chiropractors in South Africa, apart from the European Council of Chiropractic Education (ECCE) accreditation. Homeopaths generally indicated a strong willingness to refer paediatric patients to chiropractors for common paediatric conditions that fall under the scope of chiropractic training. Lastly, homeopaths demonstrated favourable results regarding the safety and effectiveness of chiropractic care for the afore mentioned paediatric conditions. The study compared homeopaths
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that qualified before 2010 and those that qualified after. Homeopaths who qualified before 2010 indicated lower levels of awareness concerning the European Council of Chiropractic Education (ECCE) accreditation (p=0.039) when compared to homeopaths who qualified after 2010. There were no statistically significant differences between the groups regarding referrals to and from chiropractors (p=0.531 and p=0.362, respectively). Homeopaths who qualified after 2010 were more likely to perceive chiropractic care as effective for paediatric conditions (p<0.001)
Conclusion: In conclusion, homeopaths registered with the Allied Health Professions Council of South Africa (AHPCSA) showed positive perceptions and opinions towards interdisciplinary referral habits between the two professions and a favourable response to the safety and efficacy of chiropractic care for paediatric patients. These results demonstrated a strong interdisciplinary relationship that is fostered by a mutual respect of each profession.