Behavioral and Access Barriers to Seeking Chiropractic Care

Goals: 1) Attempt to identify the behavioral and access barriers and their resultant delay to seeking chiropractic care. 2) Determine which type of delay is most common in different populations and variables related to this delay. 3) Obtain demographic information on patient populations. Methods: A 16 question survey was administered to new patients at the Depew Health Center, Lighthouse Free Chiropractic Clinic and University of Buffalo Student Clinic. Results: Referral source, severity, home treatments, belief of discomfort and effectiveness didn't affect delay in care. Transportation, cost, insurance and belief symptoms resolution increased delay in care. Discussion: The three populations analyzed were demographically significantly different. Access barriers and hope of symptom resolution increased delay in seeking chiropractic care. Conclusion: Utilization delay and appraisal delay appeared to increase treatment time.