Abstract
Objectives:
To develop a contemporary, patient-oriented perspective of chiropractic private practice, as reflected by the setting, practice models and clinical interactions observable in Denmark.
Methods:
A qualitative point-of-view investigation was conducted making use of participant observation, face-to-face interviews and video analysis. Data was analysed for content and thematic emergence.
Results:
A purposive sampling framework yielded 11 clinic sites, representative of prevalent practice models. Data collected over a 6-month period included interviews with 60 patients, 22 health care professionals and 12 administrative staff. These were supplemented with video recordings of 33 clinical interactions.
Health care encounters potentially start before patients enter clinics as individuals search websites to identify a suitable environment. In this regard modern, ‘cosy’ clinics are often favoured. Danish chiropractors rarely function in a mono-professional setting, thus patients typically encounter one or more non-chiropractor during their treatment. Administrative staff is integral to the functioning of multi-disciplinary clinics, but also appear to function as ‘informal’ sources of information to patients; in particular what they might expect during their consultation and what their clinical consultant ‘is like’. Clinics tend to have a strong musculoskeletal focus; however, preventative health care thinking and practices form an undertone clearly observable in both staff and patients. Patients value competence and professionalism in their clinical encounter with their chiropractor.
Conclusion:
Danish chiropractic practice is strongly influenced by modern consumer behaviour and team-oriented practice trends. Furthermore, the administrative hub plays an important role in operationalizing this multi-practitioner approach, thus shaping the patient’s experience. And whilst patients appear receptive of this type of clinical encounter, the anchoring role of a competent chiropractor (lead clinician) is key.
To develop a contemporary, patient-oriented perspective of chiropractic private practice, as reflected by the setting, practice models and clinical interactions observable in Denmark.
Methods:
A qualitative point-of-view investigation was conducted making use of participant observation, face-to-face interviews and video analysis. Data was analysed for content and thematic emergence.
Results:
A purposive sampling framework yielded 11 clinic sites, representative of prevalent practice models. Data collected over a 6-month period included interviews with 60 patients, 22 health care professionals and 12 administrative staff. These were supplemented with video recordings of 33 clinical interactions.
Health care encounters potentially start before patients enter clinics as individuals search websites to identify a suitable environment. In this regard modern, ‘cosy’ clinics are often favoured. Danish chiropractors rarely function in a mono-professional setting, thus patients typically encounter one or more non-chiropractor during their treatment. Administrative staff is integral to the functioning of multi-disciplinary clinics, but also appear to function as ‘informal’ sources of information to patients; in particular what they might expect during their consultation and what their clinical consultant ‘is like’. Clinics tend to have a strong musculoskeletal focus; however, preventative health care thinking and practices form an undertone clearly observable in both staff and patients. Patients value competence and professionalism in their clinical encounter with their chiropractor.
Conclusion:
Danish chiropractic practice is strongly influenced by modern consumer behaviour and team-oriented practice trends. Furthermore, the administrative hub plays an important role in operationalizing this multi-practitioner approach, thus shaping the patient’s experience. And whilst patients appear receptive of this type of clinical encounter, the anchoring role of a competent chiropractor (lead clinician) is key.
Original language | English |
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Journal | Journal of Chiropractic Medicine |
Volume | 14 |
Issue number | 2 |
Pages (from-to) | 139 |
Number of pages | 1 |
ISSN | 1556-3707 |
Publication status | Published - 2015 |
Event | 13th WFC Congress/ECU convention - Athen, Greece Duration: 13. May 2015 → 16. May 2015 |
Conference
Conference | 13th WFC Congress/ECU convention |
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Country/Territory | Greece |
City | Athen |
Period | 13/05/2015 → 16/05/2015 |