Embedding chiropractic in Indigenous Health Care Organisations: applying the normalisation process model

Area of Science:

• Public health initiatives
• Indigenous Australian health
• Musculoskeletal health services

Background:

• Improving Indigenous Australian health is a persistent challenge.
• A chiropractic service was established in rural Indigenous communities to address musculoskeletal conditions.
• Community involvement was central to the service's development, implementation, and evaluation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate a chiropractic service for musculoskeletal illness in rural Indigenous communities.
• To identify challenges in service development, funding, referrals, and sustainability.
• To formulate solutions for service improvement through systematic evaluation.

Main Methods:

• Utilized the normalisation process model (May 2006) to structure and analyze data from consultation meetings.
• Organized and prioritized tasks based on the model's dimensions.
• Reworded model dimensions into accessible terminology for broader understanding.

Main Results:

• The normalisation process model guided strategies to promote the chiropractic service and integrate it within existing health systems.
• Identified pathways for chiropractors to be accepted as trusted healthcare team members with recognized skills.
• Developed strategies for chiropractors to be perceived similarly to established professions like physiotherapy.

Conclusions:

• The normalisation process model provided valuable insights for establishing and evaluating the chiropractic service.
• Successfully established thriving weekly chiropractic clinics staffed by volunteer chiropractors.
• Identified a novel 'emancipatory' dimension, necessitating further investigation.