257723 Scope of chiropractic care in an underserved community

Monday, October 29, 2012 : 8:54 AM - 9:06 AM

Gene Tobias, PhD, DC , Basic Sciences, Southern California University of Health Sciences, Whittier, CA
Melany Meier, DC , Clinical Internship, Southern California University of Health Sciences, Whittier, CA
Anupama Kizhakkeveettil, BAMS (Ayu), MAOM , Research, Southern California University of Health Sciences, Whittier, CA
David Sikorski, DC , Clinical Sciences, Southern California University of Health Sciences, Whittier, CA
Extensive research exists regarding demographics of chiropractic patients and the utilization of chiropractic services in general. Few studies, however, describe the importance of chiropractors in meeting the health care needs of underserved populations. Literature generally shows that a high level of satisfaction with chiropractic care and a strong chiropractor-patient relationship characterize chiropractic practices in medically underserved areas.

This study identified the patient characteristics associated with chiropractic care in an underserved community and evaluated the effectiveness of chiropractic care in that community.

Information on patient demographics and past and current health history were obtained by a review of patient files. A survey was conducted to determine patient satisfaction with the care provided.

The data reviewed indicate that most of the patients are 30-50 years of age and about equal numbers of males and females. Nearly all of the patients had significant past and current health conditions. Nearly all of the patients expressed a high level of satisfaction with the chiropractic care that they received.

Conclusion: Patients from an underserved health care community appreciate the chiropractic care they receive. Most of these patients have significant co-morbidities including diabetes mellitus, hypertension, arthritis, obesity and alcohol and drug abuse.

Learning Areas:
Administer health education strategies, interventions and programs
Diversity and culture
Other professions or practice related to public health
Provision of health care to the public
Public health or related research

Learning Objectives:
1. Describe the demographics of patients seeking chiropractic care within an underserved community. 2. List the common co-morbidities in patients seeking chiropractic care in an underserved community. 3. Discuss the potential for providing chiropractic services within underserved communities.

Keywords: Chiropractic, Underserved

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I was the faculty who developed and staffed the clinical practices at several underserved community locations in Southern California as part of my responsibilities at my university. My responsibilities included treatment of patients at these locations and supervising chiropractic interns treating these patients. I also served on and continue to serve on the Health Advisory Board at one of the locations.
Any relevant financial relationships? Yes

Name of Organization Clinical/Research Area Type of relationship
Orange County Rescue Mission Chiropractic care Advisory Committee/Board

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.