Dissertation in partial compliance with the requirements for a Master's Degree in
Technology: Chiropractic, in the Department of Chiropractic, Durban University of
Technology, 2010. / Background: Chiropractic in South Africa seems to be gaining acceptance by medicine
with increased recognition from the private healthcare sector. This trend is reflected by
the recognition of private healthcare providers of chiropractic services. Integration would
accelerate the growth of the chiropractic profession in this country. It is therefore
important to understand how chiropractic is currently perceived with respect to
integration into the KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) healthcare system. As well as to determine
factors perceived to facilitate or hinder this integration.
Objectives: To explore and describe the perceptions of selected stakeholders about
the integration of the chiropractic profession into the KZN healthcare system.
Method: The sample included ten selected stakeholders within the KZN healthcare
sector. Each participant participated in a semi-structured interview. Questions included
participants‟ experience of chiropractic, the role and scope of chiropractic practice, and
key developmental issues affecting integration. Interviews were captured on a digital
voice recorder and transcribed into text. Data was analysed by the use of NVivo
software (NVivo 8, developed and designed in Australia, copyright 2008 QSR
International Pty Ltd. ABN 47 006 357 213).
Results: The majority of participants (n = 7) had a positive experience of chiropractic,
but few (n= 2) recognised the diagnostic role of chiropractic. All participants, except two
doctors, believed that integrating chiropractic into the public healthcare system would
benefit the healthcare fraternity, the chiropractic profession and patients.
However, hindering factors perceived by the participants included: chiropractors
practicing non-evidence based techniques; chiropractic being registered with a different
council and being taught at a different institution to conventional medical professionals;
and most importantly a lack of knowledge of the profession. Facilitating factors were
III
perceived to be: increased education of stakeholders about chiropractic; improved
communication between chiropractors and medical doctors; improved marketing
strategy; and lastly improved patient management.
Conclusions: A positive experience of chiropractic is directly affected by a positive
exposure to the profession. The profession itself is responsible for dispelling some of
the confusion it has created, by collectively practicing evidence based medicine, and
marketing a united message to stakeholders.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:netd.ac.za/oai:union.ndltd.org:dut/oai:localhost:10321/545 |
| Date | January 2010 |
| Creators | Wise, Ivan Robin |
| Contributors | Pratt, Deirdre Denise, De Busser, Nikki |
| Source Sets | South African National ETD Portal |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis |
| Format | 169 p |
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