A study to investigate current trends in practice of Irish chiropractors, osteopaths and physiotherapists

Marion O’Connor                                                                                             Supervisor: Stiofan MacSuibhne

Abstract

The aim of this study is to investigate the current trends in practice of registered chiropractors, osteopaths and physiotherapists working in the geographical area extending from Dublin and including the surrounding counties in the Republic of Ireland. The null hypothesis used stated that there was no perceivable difference between these three groups in terms of their practice with reference to the following the:

· Patient profile attending the clinic.

· Scope of practice of the therapist.

· Extent and effects of collaboration between therapists or the use of multiple therapies by individual practitioners.

· Perceptions of therapists regarding the contribution of their therapy to patient health care.

Research methods employed were a postal questionnaire study design for primary research and a literature review for secondary research. The questionnaires were sent to 150 health care providers (chiropractors, osteopaths and physiotherapists). In total, 16 chiropractors, 25 osteopaths and 29 physiotherapists replied, giving an overall response rate of 47%.

The results showed that there is a perceivable difference between and within the professions leading me to reject the null hypothesis.