Integrated collaboration in existing Community Health Centres: Demonstrating collaboration between Chiropractors and interdisciplinary health care provider teams

APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Michael J. Garner, MSc, Michael Birmingham, PhD, and Peter Aker, DC. Carlingtotn Community and Health Services, 900 Merivale Rd, Ottawa, ON K1Z 5Z8, Canada, 613-722-4000, mbirming@carlington.ochc.org

In August of 2004, chiropractic care was integrated into two Community Health Centres (CHC) in Ottawa, Canada. Such services remain outside of those provided for by provincial health care insurance plans. This project sought to investigate the efficacy of chiropractic treatment in a low-income multi-ethnic population, and to investigate the ability of medical practitioners and chiropractors to work together in a collaborative practice. The study population consisted of approximately 300 chiropractic patients as well as 17 primary health care practitioners. The efficacy of chiropractic treatment was assessed by the SF-12 and specific disability indexes, which were administered pre- and post-intervention. The collaboration between practitioners was evaluated through three questionnaires and concurrent focus groups. Changes in questionnaire scores for both the client and provider questionnaires were evaluated using a paired t-test. The results from the paired t-test for clients change in general health (8 aspects) were significant (p<0.05), and clinically important. The change in provider attitude was significant using the quantitative survey as well as being verified through the qualitative analysis of the focus groups. Over 90% of clients have expressed satisfaction with both chiropractic treatment and collaboration at the CHC. The findings from this project suggest patients presenting with musculoskeletal disorders have a positive outcome when treated by chiropractors integrated into existing primary care teams at Ontario CHCs, and that expanded presence of chiropractors in CHCs would be one way of addressing the high burden of MSK disorders in this patient population.

Learning Objectives:

At the conclusion of the session, the attendee will be able to

1. Articulate the factors that influence integration of complimentary medicine into an interdisciplinary health care team
2. Apply the knowledge gained from the presentation to future initiatives that seek to integrate traditional and complementary alternative medicine
3. Describe the clinical outcomes and patient satisfaction with chiropractic treatment in a multi-ethnic urban population

Keywords: Community Health Centers, Chiropractic

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Any relevant financial relationships? No

Recorded presentation

Developing Policy and Defining Practice

The 134th Annual Meeting & Exposition (November 4-8, 2006) of APHA