Objectives: The integration of chiropractic services into primary healthcare settings is critical for the delivery of 436 patient-centered care. This exploratory qualitative study investigated the factors enabling successful incorporation of 437 chiropractic services within a large Australian primary healthcare facility.
Methods: Thematic analysis of semi structured interviews with co-located healthcare providers (n=12).
Results: The following 4 key enablers were identified for the integration process: practitioner, organization, physical environment, and patient flow. The role of chiropractic practitioner was most crucial, with emphasis on strong communication skills, understanding of primary care principles, adaptability, and case management skills in the development of interprofessional relationships. The organization enabled integration by its ethos of patient-centeredness goals, shared patient record and adequate practitioner resourcing. This included care coordination protocols, policies and procedures between the chiropractor and other healthcare providers. The physical environment emerged as an integration enabler of patient comfort and shared spaces for healthcare providers, including facility support of integrative chiropractic services in alignment to its strategic plan pillar of multi-sector care coordination delivery. Patient flow, through effective referral processes, shared care plans and timely communication was highlighted as a key element by interviewees. Ongoing knowledge sharing about the benefits and scope of chiropractic care played a significant role in fostering discipline acceptance and understanding by other health professionals.
Conclusion: This study offers preliminary data on integrative chiropractic services in primary healthcare settings, emphasizing the significance of the practitioner, organization, physical environment, and patient flow factors. Recognizing and addressing enablers can foster collaborative environments that promote improved patient health choices.