Health promotion in chiropractic practice: 2010 and 2005 NBCE practice surveys

Objective: To determine the frequency with which doctors of chiropractic currently provide health promotion, disease prevention, and self-care advice to their patients, and to compare with a previous survey.

Methods: The recurring profession-wide surveys by the National Board of Chiropractic Examiners (NBCE) summarize the practice of chiropractic in the United States based on the responses of more than 2,100 full-time chiropractors from all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Survey respondents report information on their daily tasks and professional responsibilities. Seven items were added to the Job Analysis of Chiropractic 2005 inquiring about the provision of health promotion and wellness care procedures. Five years later, the Practice Analysis of Chiropractic 2010 included the same questions, and added one more.

Results: In 2004, all 7 health promotion/wellness care procedures investigated were routinely performed by more than 90% of responding chiropractors, and the majority (>50%) of their patients received 6 of the 7 procedures. After data review in August 2009, the new results will be compared with the previous survey, and the frequency of smoking cessation counseling will also be reported.

Conclusions: Doctors of chiropractic report that they frequently provide health promotion services, thereby addressing many of the preventable health conditions associated with personal decisions and lifestyle choices. Growing public acceptance of chiropractic health care combined with the population's increased need for health counseling to prevent chronic diseases means that these practitioners can have a significant impact on the public's health and wellness.