Chiropractic in British Columbia: sociopolitical and clinical considerations for strategic planning

Findings from a major study of chiropractic in British Columbia are used to illustrate the nature of limitations that should be considered in planning chiropractics future direction. Fifty chiropractors, 60 new clients of chiropractors and selected leaders of the chiropractic profession were interviewed on a variety of issues. Results indicate that sociopolitical factors limiting chiropractic include lack of access to public facilities, absence of representation in government services, lack of public funds for research and education, limits to reimbursement for services and low social valuation. Nine findings are identified as critical to future organizational plans. We suggest that a specific planning approach, such as the critical success factor (CSF) approach, be considered as a planning framework for organizational success in complex sociopolitical environments.