Objective: To investigate the perceptions and experiences of South African chiropractors, with a special interest in the pediatric population, and to explore any barriers and/or facilitators experienced in their practices when caring for pediatric patients.
Methods: Semi-structured interviews with purposive sampling were used to identify South African chiropractors with a declared interest in pediatrics. Eight participants were included in the study and data saturation was reached. The online private interviews utilized a semi-structured approach: collecting demographics, practice-based questions, followed by a ‘grand tour’ question and probing questions. The interviews were transcribed verbatim and then analysed according to the six phases of reflexive thematic analysis, whereby recurring themes were extracted from the data for interpretation.
Results: This study identified new findings about the South African pediatric chiropractic profession. Four major themes were identified: chiropractors, parents and/ or caregivers, healthcare professionals, and advertising and public awareness. The findings showed that most factors were considered as both facilitators and barriers and that, depending on how a practitioner utilized them, they could be dynamic and moldable. Findings suggest that increasing knowledge and awareness of pediatric chiropractic to other healthcare professionals and the public, establishing and building interprofessional relationships, and integrating into public healthcare would be useful.
Conclusion: The findings show that barriers experienced may be manipulated into facilitators and that facilitators can be enhanced. These findings could assist practitioners, professional bodies, and institutions in addressing perceived barriers and developing pediatric practices.
Author keywords: South African chiropractors, pediatric population, facilitators, barriers, practitioner, pediatric practices
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