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The impact and public health response of chiropractors to the COVID-19 pandemic: a survey across four continents.
Moore, Craig; Wong, Arnold Y L; de Luca, Katie; De Carvalho, Diana; Johansson, Melker S; Pohlman, Katherine A; Miller, Amy; Funabashi, Martha; Dougherty, Paul; French, Simon; Adams, Jon; Kawchuk, Greg.
  • Moore C; Department of Chiropractic, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia. craig.moore@mq.edu.au.
  • Wong AYL; Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Hong Kong.
  • de Luca K; Department of Chiropractic, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia.
  • De Carvalho D; Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Canada.
  • Johansson MS; Department of Sports Science and Clinical Biomechanics, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark.
  • Pohlman KA; Department of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark.
  • Miller A; Research Center, Parker University, Dallas, USA.
  • Funabashi M; AECC University College, Bournemouth, UK.
  • Dougherty P; Division of Research and Innovation, Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College, Toronto, Canada.
  • French S; Department of Chiropractic, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivières, Canada.
  • Adams J; VA Finger Lakes Healthcare System, Canandaigua, USA.
  • Kawchuk G; Department of Chiropractic, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia.
Chiropr Man Therap ; 30(1): 24, 2022 05 09.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-1833324
ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND:

The unprecedented impact of COVID-19 on healthcare professionals has implications for healthcare delivery, including the public health guidance provided to patients. This study aims to assess the response and impact of COVID-19 on chiropractors internationally, and examines the public health response of chiropractors to the COVID-19 pandemic practising under a musculoskeletal spine-care versus subluxation-based care paradigm.

METHODS:

A survey was distributed to chiropractors in Australia, Canada, Denmark, Hong Kong, United Kingdom and United States (Oct. 2nd-Dec. 22nd, 2020) via professional bodies/publications, and social media. Questions were categorised into three domains socio-demographic, public health response and business/financial impact. Multivariable logistic regression explored survey items associated with chiropractors practising under different self-reported paradigms.

RESULTS:

A total of 2061 chiropractors representing four global regions completed the survey. Our recruitment method did not allow the calculation of an accurate response rate. The vast majority initiated COVID-19 infection control changes within their practice setting, including increased disinfecting of treatment equipment (95%), frequent contact areas (94%) and increased hand hygiene (94%). While findings varied by region, most chiropractors (85%) indicated that they had implemented regulator advice on the use of personal protective equipment (PPE). Suspension of face-to-face patient care during the peak of the pandemic was reported by 49% of the participants with 26% implementing telehealth since the pandemic began. Chiropractors practising under a musculoskeletal spine-care paradigm were more likely to implement some/all regulator advice on patient PPE use (odds ratio [OR] = 3.25; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.57, 6.74) and practitioner PPE use (OR = 2.59; 95% CI 1.32, 5.08); trust COVID-19 public health information provided by government/World Health Organisation/chiropractic bodies (OR = 2.47; 95% CI 1.49, 4.10), and initiate patient telehealth in response to COVID-19 (OR = 1.46; 95% CI 1.02, 2.08) compared to those practising under a subluxation-based paradigm.

CONCLUSIONS:

Chiropractors who responded to our survey made substantial infectious control changes in response to COVID-19. However, there was regional variation in the implementation of the advised practitioner and patient use of PPE and limited overall use of telehealth consultations by chiropractors during COVID-19. Musculoskeletal spine-care chiropractors were more adaptive to certain COVID-19 public health changes within their practice setting than subluxation-based chiropractors.
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Full text: Available Collection: International databases Database: MEDLINE Main subject: Chiropractic / COVID-19 Type of study: Experimental Studies / Observational study / Prognostic study / Qualitative research Limits: Humans Language: English Journal: Chiropr Man Therap Year: 2022 Document Type: Article Affiliation country: S12998-022-00432-6

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Full text: Available Collection: International databases Database: MEDLINE Main subject: Chiropractic / COVID-19 Type of study: Experimental Studies / Observational study / Prognostic study / Qualitative research Limits: Humans Language: English Journal: Chiropr Man Therap Year: 2022 Document Type: Article Affiliation country: S12998-022-00432-6