• Ebrall PS

• Chiropractic / legislation and jurisprudence
• Chiropractors / Australia
• Delivery of Health Care
• Open Access Document

The objective of this paper is to introduce the descriptor “appropriate” for the process of delivering manipulative health care (MHC), and to identify and describe the determinants of chiropractors being providers of such care. Information from government publications, curriculum requirements, and Chiropractors’ Association of Australia policy and direction was qualitatively assessed within the context of the public health arena in Victoria, Australia. The information suggested that appropriate strategies exist to facilitate the provision of appropriate MHC. The strategies are seen as either being an entry level or ongoing maintenance requirement. The entry level strategies are essentially (i) the legislative provisions of government which, in the case of chiropractic and osteopathy in Victoria, Australia, confer specific responsibility and guardianship for manipulation, and (ii) the competencies instilled during the professional education process. The maintenance strategies are more diverse and exist within the critical mass of a professional association and are integrated with the research environment through critical questioning and critical review of the outcomes of professional intervention. The most powerful maintenance strategy to date seems to be the “standards of practice” concept, achieved by consensus and providing a blueprint for the delivery of the most appropriate MHC. The considerations presented in this analysis demonstrate that the chiropractic profession is holding a position of strength and leadership, a position which must be noted by those with a genuine interest in ensuring the safe delivery of MHC services to the consumer.

This article has been corrected. See J Can Chiropr Assoc. 1993 December; 37(4): 250. This abstract is reproduced with the permission of the publisher. Click on the above link for free full text.