The Beliefs and Attitudes of Chiropractors and Their Patients Utilising an Open Practice Environment

Introduction: Although chiropractic care is known to be provided in different types of environments, patient satisfaction on the use of an open plan/multi bedded environment is unknown. The aim of this study was to examine chiropractic patients’ beliefs, experiences and satisfaction with chiropractic care in an open environment and to test the hypothesis that a patient’s privacy and dignity may be preserved in open adjusting environments.

Methods: A convenience sample of twenty-seven European chiropractors from 8 European countries was obtained through 2 national association e-mail lists and verbal request at 2 continuing education seminars. They and their patients were asked to complete a Global Wellness and Likert-type survey for the purpose of this study.

Results: One thousand, one hundred and nine patients who received chiropractic care in an open environment participated in this study. They reported to be very highly satis ed with the care they were receiving (average rating = 8.98/10) and expressed signi cantly improved survey responses in regard to their self-rated Global Wellness at the time of evaluation compared to baseline measures. In terms of their attitudes, beliefs and experiences in this model of chiropractic care, participants indicated positive experiences in that they were comfortable receiving care in such an environment, their dignity was respected, their privacy maintained and they were cared for in a professional manner.

Conclusions: The findings presented here provide valuable insight into patients’ perspectives in receiving care in an open adjusting environment. Our results demonstrate that the open adjusting environment is an effective practice model for maintaining a patient’s dignity and privacy while providing a high level of patient satisfaction. Open room care may need to be included in future decisions regarding best practice configuration for chiropractic care facilities.

Damaske D, McCrossin P, Santoro F, Alcantara J. The Beliefs and Attitudes of Chiropractors and Their Patients Utilising an Open Practice Environment. European Journal of Integrative Medicine. 2016;8(4):438-445. doi:10.1016/j.eujim.2016.02.008