Factors that Influence the Scope of Practice of the Chiropractic Profession in Australia: A Thematic Analysis

Abstract

Scope of practice has been defined as the activities that an individual health care practitioner is allowed to undertake within a specific profession. The chiropractic profession in Australia does not currently have a documented scope of practice. Informed discussions around scope of practice are hampered by a paucity of literature in this area. Acknowledging this void in the literature, we chose to investigate the factors that influence scope of practice of the chiropractic profession. A knowledge of these factors will facilitate discussion on the topic and help the profession to work towards establishing a scope of practice. Aim: The aim of this study was to identify the factors that influence scope of practice of chiropractic in Australia from the perspective of the major stakeholder groups within the profession. Methods: This study employed semi-structured, online-interviews. Open-ended questions, guided by a flexible interview protocol, and augmented by supplemental questions, probes and comments, were used to gather data on the research question. Data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Results: Six factors that influence scope of practice of chiropractic were identified in this study: education (pre- and post- professional); political influence; community expectations (informed by social media platforms such as Facebook and/or Twitter); evidence (research-derived and practice-based); entrepreneurial business models; and geographical location. Conclusion: Knowledge of the factors that influence scope of practice of chiropractic in Australia is important for establishing a scope of practice for the profession. This knowledge is also of value to a range of stakeholders including patients, health care providers (within and outside the profession), professional associations, and policymakers.