| Chiropractors regard themselves as wellness professionals. This study explores the chiropractic patient’s perspective of how chiropractors practise wellness care and the scope of wellness care they considered may appropriately be provided in a chiropractic clinic. Methods: Convenience sampling of patients attending chiropractic clinics in 3 states and the Australian Capital Territory was undertaken. The 48 chiropractors participating were selected by maximum variation sampling. Patients were requested to describe what they currently perceived as “chiropractic” wellness care and provide information on their perceptions of the appropriateness of chiropractors inquiring about various health-related risks. Results: Three hundred forty-seven patients participated and indicated their current perception of chiropractic wellness care was largely confined to spinal care. Many patients nonetheless felt it would be appropriate for chiropractic care to encompass consideration, with the exception of unsafe sex, of the 10 major risk factors responsibility for disability-adjusted life years in this country. Discussion: The health care system is increasingly expecting patients to take more responsibility for their wellness. Chiropractors are in a strong position to provide guidance in this area. Conclusion: It is in the interest of both chiropractors and their patients for the chiropractic profession to actively implement a ore comprehensive approach to wellness care. This abstract is reproduced with the permission of the publisher; full text (print only) by subscription.
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