• Lyndon-Woods A
• Woods B
• Parkin-Smith G
• Vindigni D
• Losco B
• Adams J

• Chiropractic / Australia
• Chiropractic Research
• Chiropractic Research / Australia
• Open Access Document

Objective: To identify and compare the research priorities and perspectives of practicing chiropractors and academics in Australia. We were interested in their views on existing and future research strategies and funding initiatives as well as actual research and publication activity.

Method: In the absence of pre-existing instruments, a novel mixed-methods research survey was designed and emailed to practicing Australian chiropractors who were members of a practice-based research network database (n=1680) and academic/researchers employed at 4 Australian university-based chiropractic programs (n=220). Survey questions focused on 5 principal domains: basic science; conditions; sub-groups; interventions; and public health/health services. Additional items included questions about their perspectives on other priority areas being, higher degree by research (HDR) scholarships, practice-based research networks (PBRNs), scientific conferences, and scientific journals.

Results: Our results indicate that Australian academics are of the view that musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions, for which some evidence already exists, should be the priority of future research by chiropractors, building on what is known. However, practitioners feel that future research should be directed across more areas, such as younger populations, basic science, and non-MSK conditions. The Australian chiropractic profession remains sharply divided concerning traditional chiropractic terminology, concepts and philosophy, and the utility of future research into these topics.

Conclusion: To assist and guide stakeholders, we recommend the collegial development of resources such as regularly convening a comprehensive Australasian Chiropractic-Relevant Research Agenda Conference (A-CRAC). We also recommend the creation of an Australian pilot of an international chiropractic research register and database. Such initiatives should incorporate input from and reflect the needs and concerns of a wider range of key stakeholders not previously emphasized in research agendas, such as practitioners, regulators, students, and consumers. Resources like these may help improve the quality and utility of evidence available and thus ultimately benefit people who attend Australian chiropractors.

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