Research priorities of the Australian Chiropractic Profession: A Cross-Sectional survey of academics and practitioners

Amorin-Woods, L.G., Woods, B.L., Moore, C.S., Leach, M.J., Kawchuk, G.N. and Adams, J. (2022) Research priorities of the Australian Chiropractic Profession: A Cross-Sectional survey of academics and practitioners. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, 45 (1). pp. 73-89.

Abstract

Objective

The purpose of this study was to explore the research priorities of Australian practicing chiropractors and academics across a set of research domains to determine the agreement or disagreement based on these domains.

Methods

We conducted a pilot-tested online survey focusing on the following 5 principal research domains: basic science, conditions (disorders chiropractors may encounter), patient subgroups, clinical interventions, and practice and public health/health services. Responses were sought regarding support for funding research scholarships, practice-based research networks, scientific conferences/symposia, journals, and existing research agendas. Data were collected (February 19 to May 24, 2019) from a sample of chiropractic academics (n1 = 33) representing 4 Australian programs and practicing chiropractors (n2 = 340). Collected data were ranked and analyzed to determine agreement across domains and items.

Results

There was agreement between the 2 groups across the majority (>90%) of domain items. The closest agreement and highest rankings were achieved for the “clinical interventions and practice” and “conditions” domains. Disagreement was observed within specific domain items, such as patient subgroups (infants), and for 1 intervention (chiropractic-specific techniques). Disagreement also occurred outside of the main domains, including research agenda support and funding.

Conclusions

There was overall agreement between practicing chiropractors and academics across most research area domain items, which should help facilitate consensus-led development of any potential Australian Chiropractic research agenda. Disagreements across specific domain items, such as population subgroups, interventions, and funding require further investigation.

Item Type:	Journal Article
Murdoch Affiliation(s):	Psychology, Counselling, Exercise Science and Chiropractic
Publisher:	Elsevier
Copyright:	© 2022 by National University of Health Sciences.
URI:	http://researchrepository.murdoch.edu.au/id/eprint/65456

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