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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Recorded presentation

Joseph O. Di Duro, Palmer Center for Chiropractic Research, 741 Brady Street, Davenport, IA 52803 and Dennis L. Lopez, Clinic, Palmer College of Chiropractic, 1000 Brady Street, Davenport, IA 52803, 563-884-5258, d_lopez@palmer.edu.

OBJECTIVE: The increase use of CAM by older patients combined with the musculoskeletal disorders associated with diabetes prompted this study. A retrospective blind chart review investigated what percentage of patients over 50 years of age attending the Palmer College of Chiropractic Clinic informed the clinic of their diabetic condition. Secondly, we investigated if policy changes in patient record keeping increased awareness of student chiropractors to patients that report diabetes. DESIGN: Retrospective survey. SETTING: Student outpatient chiropractic clinic. METHOD: Patients 50 years of age and older that entered the Palmer College of Chiropractic Clinic from 2004-2005 were searched for a diagnosis of diabetes mellitus. These patients were divided into three groups based on time; Group A: July 2004-December 2005, Group B: January 2005-June 2005, and Group C: July 2005 until December 2005 when the new intake forms asked specific questions to the patient about a diagnosis of diabetes. RESULTS: From July 2004- January 2005, 676 patient charts were reviewed (average age 59 years, 51% male) with an overall prevalence of 9.9% of patients entering the Palmer College of Chiropractic Clinic reported being affected by diabetes mellitus. This number is congruent with US average. There was no significant difference between groups. Changes in patient intake questionnaires did not improve recognition of older patients with diabetes. CONCLUSIONS: A percentage of older patients who seek chiropractic care indicate a diagnosis of diabetes. Changes in patient intake forms did not change the likelihood of diabetes being reported to the chiropractors.

Learning Objectives:

• 1.Indicate the prevalence of patients over 50 years of age visiting a chiropractic clinic as a new patient that report a diagnosis of diabetes to the chiropractor.
• 2.Evaluate the procedure for recognizing diabetes in a chiropractic-teaching clinic.
• 3.Discuss the public health implications of diabetic patients who seek CAM.

Keywords: Diabetes, Chiropractic

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Any relevant financial relationships? No

Recorded presentation