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Immunization and the chiropractor-patient interaction: a Western canadian study
Stacey A Page1, Margaret L Russell, Marja J Verhoef
1Office of Medical Bioethics, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada.
Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics
|February 8, 2006
Summary
Chiropractors and patients discuss immunization, with chiropractors offering varied advice influenced by personal beliefs and experiences. Some chiropractors provide anti-vaccination information, while others refer patients to medical professionals.
Area of Science:
- Integrative medicine
- Public health communication
- Patient-practitioner dynamics
Background:
- Chiropractors' roles in patient health discussions are evolving.
- Understanding patient-practitioner communication regarding vaccination is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate how vaccination discussions emerge between chiropractors and patients.
- To identify advice given to patients regarding immunization.
- To explore factors shaping chiropractors' views on vaccination.
Main Methods:
- Qualitative content analysis of semistructured interviews with chiropractors in Calgary, Canada.
- Constant comparison analysis of interview data.
- Purposeful sampling of chiropractors previously surveyed on immunization beliefs.
Main Results:
- Vaccination discussions occurred through indirect (materials) and direct communication, often patient-initiated.
- Chiropractors' advice varied, with some providing anti-vaccination information and others referring patients to physicians.
- Influencing factors included chiropractic training, health philosophy, and personal/familial experiences with perceived adverse reactions to immunization.
Conclusions:
- Both patients and chiropractors initiate immunization discussions in practice.
- Chiropractors in this sample showed heterogeneity in the information provided about immunization.
- Findings may not be generalizable beyond the Canadian context studied.