Article

Chiropractic services have been delivered on station at select Veterans Health
Administration (VHA) medical facilities since late 2004. No published data
describing the characteristics of VHA chiropractic physicians (chiropractors) and
chiropractic clinics exist at a national level. This study was designed to
examine elements of the structures of chiropractic services in VHA settings.
Web-based survey methods were used to question all chiropractors in VHA
facilities (N = 36). Data were obtained from 33 providers, yielding a 91.6%
response rate. Most respondents were full-time VHA employees, while others were
part-time employees or contractors. Differences were found in prior training,
integrated practice, and academic or research experience. Of the respondents, 88%
ranked low back pain as the most common patient complaint seen in practice and
79% ranked cervical pain the second most common complaint. Of the new patient
consultations, 67.6% originated from primary care, 9.4% from pain management, and
6.2% from physiatry. Most respondents were similar in their reported use of
diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, but their reported rates of participation
in various facility activities were different. Further work is needed for
researchers and policy makers to more fully understand the integration and
delivery of chiropractic services in VHA settings.

Langue : ANGLAIS