Background Worldwide, many patients, including minors, seek chiropractic care. The purpose of this study was to investigate the practice characteristics of chiropractors who treat pediatric patients in Quebec, Canada. Methods We conducted a web-based cross-sectional survey of all licensed chiropractors working in Quebec (Canada). Data were collected using an adapted questionnaire. Descriptive statistics were produced for all the variables collected. Results Among our 245 participants (response rate: 21%), 63% were women, and half defined themselves as general musculoskeletal (MSK) health care practitioners. Nearly all participants reported seeing 0–5 new pediatric patients/week, and the most common pediatric age group was 6–12 years old (57%). Pediatric patients were most commonly referred by family members and “word of mouth”. The respondents most frequently indicated that they strongly agreed with statements affirming their confidence in their own diagnostic capacities regarding MSK disorders with respect to all age groups as well as non-MSK disorders with regard to young teens. They reported a moderate level of agreement with similar statements concerning the diagnosis of non-MSK disorders in newborns, preschoolers, and children. Chiropractors rarely referred their pediatric patients to a nurse/family doctor or a pediatrician. When presented with potential pediatric red flags, the respondents commonly indicated that they would refer the patient to a physician in an emergency situation or for comanagement. Conclusion Chiropractors in Quebec are confident in their diagnoses of pediatric MSK conditions and refer patients to physicians in the rare event of a worrisome presentation. However, some chiropractors may have expectations that are unsupported by evidence regarding the diagnosis and management of non-MSK complaints.

Background: Worldwide, many patients are seeking chiropractic care, including minors. The purpose of this study was to investigate the practice characteristics of chiropractors who treat pediatric patients in Quebec, Canada.Methods: We conducted a web-based cross-sectional survey of all licensed chiropractors within Quebec (Canada). Data were collected using an adapted questionnaire. Descriptive statistics were produced for all the collected variables.Results. Among our 245 participants (response rate: 21%), 63% were women, and half defined themselves as generalists. Nearly all participants reported seeing 0–5 new pediatric patients/week, and the most common pediatric age group was 6–12 years old (57%). Pediatric patients were most commonly referred by family members and “word of mouth”. The respondents most frequently indicated that they strongly agree with statements affirming their confidence in their own diagnostic capacities for musculoskeletal (MSK) disorders in all age groups and for non-MSK disorders of young teens. They reported a neutral agreement toward similar statements for the diagnosis of non-MSK disorders in newborns, preschoolers, and children. Chiropractors rarely referred their pediatric patients to a nurse/a family doctor or to a pediatrician. When presented with potential pediatric red flags, the respondent commonly indicated that they would refer the patient to a physician and an emergency or for co-management. Conclusion. Quebec’s chiropractors are confident in their diagnoses of pediatric MSK conditions and will refer to a physician in the rare event of a worrisome presentation. However, some have unrealistic expectations regarding the diagnosis and management of non-MSK complaints.