“Chiropractic pediatric patient management and interdisciplinary collaboration: a descriptive cross-sectional study of Quebec chiropractors”.

Abstract

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.