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Bergström C, Axén I, Field J, Hartvigsen J, van der Marck M, Newell D, Rubinstein S, de Zoete A, Persson M. The chiropractors' dilemma in caring for older patients with musculoskeletal complaints: Collaborate, integrate, coexist, or separate? PLoS One 2024; 19:e0302519. [PMID: 38696495 PMCID: PMC11065304 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0302519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2024] [Accepted: 04/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/04/2024] Open
Abstract
The world's elderly population is growing at a rapid pace. This has led to an increase in demand on the health and welfare systems due to age-related disorders, with musculoskeletal complaints driving the need for rehabilitation services. However, there are concerns about health services' ability to meet this demand. While chiropractic care is gaining recognition for its benefits in treating older adults with musculoskeletal disorders, there is limited scientific literature on chiropractors' role and experiences in this area. To bridge this gap, we interviewed 21 chiropractors in Great Britain, the Netherlands, Norway, and Sweden. Inductive qualitative content analysis was used to analyse the interviews, and despite differences in integration and regulation between the countries, several common facilitators and barriers in caring for and managing older patients with musculoskeletal complaints emerged. While participants expressed optimism about future collaborations with other healthcare professionals and the integration of chiropractic into national healthcare systems, they also highlighted significant concerns regarding the existing healthcare infrastructure. The participants also felt that chiropractors, with their non-surgical and holistic approach, were well-positioned to be the primary point of contact for older patients. However, there were some common barriers, such as the affordability of care, limited integration of chiropractic, and the need to prioritise musculoskeletal complaints within public healthcare. Our findings suggest that chiropractors experience their clinical competencies as an underutilised resource in the available healthcare systems and that they could contribute to and potentially reduce the escalating burden of musculoskeletal complaints and associated costs among older patients. Additionally, our findings highlight the desire among the participants to foster collaboration among healthcare professionals and integrate chiropractic into the national public healthcare system. Integrating chiropractors as allied health professionals was also perceived to improve coordinated, patient-centred healthcare for older adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cecilia Bergström
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Iben Axén
- Karolinska Institutet, Institute of Environmental Medicine, Stockholm, Sweden
- The Norwegian Chiropractors’ Research Foundation “Et Liv i Bevegelse”, Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Jan Hartvigsen
- Center for Muscle and Joint Health, Department of Sports Science and Clinical Biomechanics, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
- Chiropractic Knowledge Hub, Odense, Denmark
| | | | - Dave Newell
- AECC University College, Bournemouth, United Kingdom
| | - Sidney Rubinstein
- Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Science and Amsterdam Movement Sciences Research Institute, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Annemarie de Zoete
- Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Science and Amsterdam Movement Sciences Research Institute, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
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Roseen EJ, Patel KV, Ward R, de Grauw X, Atlas SJ, Bartels S, Keysor JJ, Bean JF. Trends in Chiropractic Care and Physical Rehabilitation Use Among Adults with Low Back Pain in the United States, 2002 to 2018. J Gen Intern Med 2024; 39:578-586. [PMID: 37856007 PMCID: PMC10973298 DOI: 10.1007/s11606-023-08438-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND While nonpharmacologic treatments are increasingly endorsed as first-line therapy for low back pain (LBP) in clinical practice guidelines, it is unclear if use of these treatments is increasing or equitable. OBJECTIVE Examine national trends in chiropractic care and physical rehabilitation (occupational/physical therapy (OT/PT)) use among adults with LBP. DESIGN/SETTING Serial cross-sectional analysis of the National Health Interview Survey, 2002 to 2018. PARTICIPANTS 146,087 adults reporting LBP in prior 3 months. METHODS We evaluated the association of survey year with chiropractic care or OT/PT use in prior 12 months. Logistic regression with multilevel linear splines was used to determine if chiropractic care or OT/PT use increased after the introduction of clinical guidelines. We also examined trends in use by age, sex, race, and ethnicity. When trends were similar over time, we present differences by these demographic characteristics as unadjusted ORs using data from all respondents. RESULTS Between 2002 and 2018, less than one-third of adults with LBP reported use of either chiropractic care or OT/PT. Rates did not change until 2016 when uptake increased with the introduction of clinical guidelines (2016-2018 vs 2002-2015, OR = 1.15; 95% CI: 1.10-1.19). Trends did not differ significantly by sex, race, or ethnicity (p for interactions > 0.05). Racial and ethnic disparities in chiropractic care or OT/PT use were identified and persisted over time. For example, compared to non-Hispanic adults, either chiropractic care or OT/PT use was lower among Hispanic adults (combined OR = 0.62, 95% CI: 0.65-0.73). By contrast, compared to White adults, Black adults had similar OT/PT use (OR = 0.98; 95% CI: 0.94-1.03) but lower for chiropractic care use (OR = 0.50; 95% CI: 0.47-0.53). CONCLUSIONS Although use of chiropractic care or OT/PT for LBP increased after the introduction of clinical guidelines in 2016, only about a third of US adults with LBP reported using these services between 2016 and 2018 and disparities in use have not improved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric J Roseen
- Section of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Boston University, Chobanian & Avedision School of Medicine and Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA.
- New England Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, Veterans Affairs Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA, USA.
- Department of Rehabilitation Science, MGH Institute of Health Professions, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Kushang V Patel
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Rachel Ward
- New England Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, Veterans Affairs Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Xinyao de Grauw
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Steven J Atlas
- Mongan Institute, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Stephen Bartels
- Mongan Institute, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Julie J Keysor
- Section of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Boston University, Chobanian & Avedision School of Medicine and Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Physical Therapy, MGH Institute of Health Professions, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jonathan F Bean
- New England Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, Veterans Affairs Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
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Wilson R, Pryymachenko Y, Abbott JH, Dean S, Stanley J, Garrett S, Mathieson F, Dowell A, Darlow B. A Guideline-Implementation Intervention to Improve the Management of Low Back Pain in Primary Care: A Difference-in-Difference-in-Differences Analysis. APPLIED HEALTH ECONOMICS AND HEALTH POLICY 2023; 21:253-262. [PMID: 36471226 PMCID: PMC9734860 DOI: 10.1007/s40258-022-00776-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Real-world adherence to clinical practice guidelines is often poor, resulting in sub-standard patient care and unnecessary healthcare costs. This study evaluates the effect of a guideline-implementation intervention for the management of low back pain (LBP) in general practice-the Fear Reduction Exercised Early (FREE) approach-on LBP-related injury insurance claims, healthcare utilisation, and costs of treatment. DESIGN Data were extracted from comprehensive nationwide New Zealand injury insurance claims records. Data were analysed using a 'triple-difference' (difference-in-difference-in-differences) method to isolate the causal effect of FREE training on LBP claims activity, comparing the difference in general practitioner (GP) LBP claims and associated activity before and after training with their non-musculoskeletal injury claims for the same periods (assumed to be unaffected by training), relative to the same comparisons for GPs not trained in the FREE approach. RESULTS Training GPs in the FREE approach resulted in significant reductions in the number of LBP injury claims lodged (- 19%, 95% CI -34 to -5), the use of physiotherapy (-30%, 95% CI - 42 to - 18) and imaging (- 27%, 95% CI - 46 to - 8%), and the healthcare costs (- 21%, 95% CI - 41 to - 1) of LBP injury. Changes in claims for earnings' compensation (- 10%, 95% CI - 34 to 13) were not significant. CONCLUSIONS A brief guideline-implementation intervention following best-practice LBP management and guideline-implementation strategies achieved significant reductions, persisting over at least 6 to18 months, in healthcare utilisation consistent with improved delivery of guideline-concordant care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ross Wilson
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Centre for Musculoskeletal Outcomes Research, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand.
| | - Yana Pryymachenko
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Centre for Musculoskeletal Outcomes Research, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - J Haxby Abbott
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Centre for Musculoskeletal Outcomes Research, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Sarah Dean
- College of Medicine and Health, University of Exeter Medical School, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - James Stanley
- Biostatistical Group, University of Otago, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Sue Garrett
- Department of Primary Health Care and General Practice, University of Otago, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Fiona Mathieson
- Department of Psychological Medicine, University of Otago, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Anthony Dowell
- Department of Primary Health Care and General Practice, University of Otago, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Ben Darlow
- Department of Primary Health Care and General Practice, University of Otago, Wellington, New Zealand
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Doucet C, Dubuc É, Imbeau C, Pohlman KA, Blanchette MA. Chiropractic pediatric patient management and interdisciplinary collaboration: a descriptive cross-sectional study of chiropractors in Quebec. Chiropr Man Therap 2022; 30:54. [PMID: 36514117 PMCID: PMC9746577 DOI: 10.1186/s12998-022-00464-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Worldwide, many patients, including minors, seek chiropractic care. The purpose of this study was to investigate the practice characteristics of chiropractors who treat pediatric patients in Quebec, Canada. METHODS We conducted a web-based cross-sectional survey of all licensed chiropractors working in Quebec (Canada). Data were collected using an adapted questionnaire. Descriptive statistics were produced for all the variables collected. RESULTS Among our 245 participants (response rate: 21%), 63% were women, and half defined themselves as general musculoskeletal (MSK) health care practitioners. Nearly all participants reported seeing 0-5 new pediatric patients/week, and the most common pediatric age group was 6-12 years old (57%). Pediatric patients were most commonly referred by family members and "word of mouth". The respondents most frequently indicated that they strongly agreed with statements affirming their confidence in their own diagnostic capacities regarding MSK disorders with respect to all age groups as well as non-MSK disorders with regard to young teens. They reported a moderate level of agreement with similar statements concerning the diagnosis of non-MSK disorders in newborns, preschoolers, and children. Chiropractors rarely referred their pediatric patients to a nurse/family doctor or a pediatrician. When presented with potential pediatric red flags, the respondents commonly indicated that they would refer the patient to a physician in an emergency situation or for comanagement. CONCLUSION Chiropractors in Quebec are confident in their diagnoses of pediatric MSK conditions and refer patients to physicians in the rare event of a worrisome presentation. However, some chiropractors may have expectations that are unsupported by evidence regarding the diagnosis and management of non-MSK complaints.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chantale Doucet
- Département de Chiropratique, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières (UQTR), 3351, Boul. Des Forges, C.P. 500, Trois-Rivières, QC, G9A 5H7, Canada.
| | - Élisa Dubuc
- grid.265703.50000 0001 2197 8284Département de Chiropratique, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières (UQTR), 3351, Boul. Des Forges, C.P. 500, Trois-Rivières, QC G9A 5H7 Canada
| | - Camille Imbeau
- grid.265703.50000 0001 2197 8284Département de Chiropratique, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières (UQTR), 3351, Boul. Des Forges, C.P. 500, Trois-Rivières, QC G9A 5H7 Canada
| | | | - Marc-André Blanchette
- grid.265703.50000 0001 2197 8284Département de Chiropratique, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières (UQTR), 3351, Boul. Des Forges, C.P. 500, Trois-Rivières, QC G9A 5H7 Canada
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Emary PC, Brown AL, Oremus M, Mbuagbaw L, Cameron DF, DiDonato J, Busse JW. The association between chiropractic integration in an Ontario community health centre and continued prescription opioid use for chronic non-cancer spinal pain: a sequential explanatory mixed methods study. BMC Health Serv Res 2022; 22:1313. [PMID: 36329472 PMCID: PMC9635131 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-022-08632-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2022] [Revised: 10/01/2022] [Accepted: 10/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Emerging evidence suggests that access to chiropractic care may reduce the likelihood of initiating an opioid prescription for spinal pain; however, the impact of chiropractic care for patients already prescribed opioids is uncertain. We undertook a sequential explanatory mixed methods study to evaluate the association between initiating chiropractic care and continued opioid use among adult patients attending an Ontario community health centre (CHC) and receiving opioid therapy for chronic non-cancer spinal pain. METHODS We conducted a retrospective cohort study of 210 patient records between January 1, 2014 and December 31, 2020. We used generalized estimating equations, adjusted for patient demographics, co-morbidities, visit frequency, and calendar year, to evaluate the association between receipt versus non-receipt of chiropractic services and continued opioid use (e.g., unique opioid fills, number of refills, and dosages) up to one year following the index chiropractic visit. We also completed follow-up interviews with 14 patients and nine general practitioners from the CHC and integrated these data with our quantitative findings. RESULTS Over 12-month follow-up, there were lower rates of opioid fills (incidence rate ratio [IRR] = 0.66; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.52-0.83) and refills (IRR = 0.27; 95% CI, 0.17-0.42) among chiropractic recipients (n = 49) versus non-recipients (n = 161). Although patients who did and did not receive chiropractic care began the study with the same dose of opioids, recipients were less likely to be prescribed higher-dose opioids (i.e., ≥ 50 mg morphine equivalents daily) compared to non-recipients at three months (odds ratio [OR] = 0.14; 95% CI, 0.04-0.47), six months (OR = 0.14; 95% CI, 0.05-0.40), nine months (OR = 0.19; 95% CI, 0.07-0.57), and 12 months (OR = 0.22; 95% CI, 0.08-0.62). Interviews suggested that patient self-efficacy, limited effectiveness of opioids for chronic pain, stigma regarding use of opioids, and access to chiropractic treatment were important influencing factors. CONCLUSION We found that continued prescription opioid use among patients with chronic non-cancer spinal pain who received chiropractic care was lower than in patients who did not receive chiropractic care. Four themes emerged in our qualitative interviews to help provide a richer understanding of this association. Randomized controlled trials are needed to establish the effect of chiropractic care on opioid use for chronic spinal pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter C. Emary
- grid.25073.330000 0004 1936 8227Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON Canada ,Chiropractic Department, D’Youville University, Buffalo, NY USA ,Private Practice, 1145 Concession Road, N3H 4L5 Cambridge, ON Canada
| | - Amy L. Brown
- Private Practice, 1145 Concession Road, N3H 4L5 Cambridge, ON Canada
| | - Mark Oremus
- grid.25073.330000 0004 1936 8227Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON Canada ,grid.46078.3d0000 0000 8644 1405School of Public Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON Canada
| | - Lawrence Mbuagbaw
- grid.25073.330000 0004 1936 8227Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON Canada ,grid.416721.70000 0001 0742 7355Biostatistics Unit, Father Sean O’Sullivan Research Centre, St. Joseph’s Healthcare- Hamilton, Hamilton, ON Canada ,Centre for the Development of Best Practices in Health, Yaundé, Cameroon ,grid.11956.3a0000 0001 2214 904XDivision of Global Health, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | | | - Jenna DiDonato
- Chiropractic Department, D’Youville University, Buffalo, NY USA
| | - Jason W. Busse
- grid.25073.330000 0004 1936 8227Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON Canada ,grid.25073.330000 0004 1936 8227Department of Anesthesia, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON Canada ,grid.25073.330000 0004 1936 8227Michael G. DeGroote National Pain Centre, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON Canada ,Chronic Pain Centre of Excellence for Canadian Veterans, Hamilton, ON Canada
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O'Neill S, Wahlqvist AB, Simonsen NK, Myburgh C, Jensen RK. Digging deeper: exploring chiropractors online claims about non-musculoskeletal disorders. Chiropr Man Therap 2021; 29:50. [PMID: 34872561 PMCID: PMC8646014 DOI: 10.1186/s12998-021-00407-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2021] [Accepted: 11/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Some chiropractors suggest that chiropractic treatment is appropriate for health issues other than musculoskeletal problems. The prevalence of such claims on individual clinic websites has previously been reported as approximately one-in-four in Denmark. The underlying rationales for such claims may reflect convictions about traditional chiropractic subluxations paradigms, but are not self-evident and has not previously been studied.
Methods An exploratory qualitative case interview study of Danish chiropractors with websites which contain claims about chiropractic efficacy in the treatment of non-musculoskeletal disorders. Websites were identified from a nation wide random sample (57%) of all chiropractic clinic websites. Results Of the original 139 websites, 36 were identified as mentioning non-MSK conditions. When revisited, 19 of those clinic websites still mentioned non-MSK disorders and were contacted. Eleven (11) declined our invitation to participate. Interviews were conducted with the responsible chiropractor from each of the remaining 8 clinics. Five distinct themes were identified in the rationales for treating non-musculoskeletal disorders: ‘Positive side-effects,’ ‘Experience,’ ‘Web page,’ ‘Communication’ and ‘Conviction.’ Conclusions A minority of Danish chiropractic websites suggest that non-musculoskeletal disorders are within the chiropractic scope of practice. Those that do, do so for varying reasons—poor communication and website maintenance were commonly cited problems. An explicitly stated adherence to traditional chiropractic subluxations concepts was uncommon. By contrast, a more tempered rationale that suggested a potential beneficial side-effect of chiropractic on non-musculoskeletal health issues were more common and was typically presented in softer-language and/or with some reservations. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12998-021-00407-z.
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Affiliation(s)
- Søren O'Neill
- Spinecenter of Southern Denmark, University Hospital of Southern Denmark, Østre Hougvej 55, 5500, Middelfart, Denmark. .,Institute of Regional Health Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark.
| | - Anneline Bugge Wahlqvist
- Department of Sports Science and Clinical Biomechanics, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Natasja Kragh Simonsen
- Department of Sports Science and Clinical Biomechanics, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Cornelius Myburgh
- Department of Sports Science and Clinical Biomechanics, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Rikke Krüger Jensen
- Department of Sports Science and Clinical Biomechanics, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark.,Chiropractic Knowledge Hub, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
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