http://www.researchonline.mq.edu.au/vital/access/services/Feed ${session.getAttribute("locale")} 5 http://www.researchonline.mq.edu.au/vital/access/manager/Repository/mq:24873 The association between language and knowledge is well established. Alfred Korzybski discussed the significance of a concept called 'time binding' where language is used as a 'tool' to reflect knowledge that is built up over time leading to the development of an epistemology. The language we use to describe chiropractic tells of ideas and beliefs which in differing ways and, perhaps unknowingly to us, mislead and channel us into 'arguments' resulting in false conclusions and conflicts. An appreciation of the role of our 'chiropractic' language comes from my unique position of being on three organisations within the chiropractic profession. Having experience as a regulator, practitioner and academic, the author finds that three different languages are being utilised interchangeably which may lead to confusion and false perceptions by outside stakeholders such as government bodies, scientists, skeptics. 2013-03-20T11:11:24.501Z ]]> http://www.researchonline.mq.edu.au/vital/access/manager/Repository/mq:23410 The aim of this report is to describe the demographic characteristics including the age profile, gender differences, income and perceptions of supply and demand of the chiropractic profession in Australia. This workforce study (WFS) was divided into three components, Australian Chiropractors (Stage 1), their patients (Stage 2), and members of the general public (Stage 3). Methods: A web-based, 64-item, cross-sectional survey questionnaire was issued to registered chiropractors (CAA and non-CAA members) throughout Australia in 2010. At the time of the survey there were 3,892 registered chiropractors. Survey invitations were sent to those who were registered chiropractors, and had provided email addresses (n=1,917). Results: Demographic Characteristics: There is evidence to suggest that the profession may be becoming increasingly female over time. Income exclusively from chiropractic care included 27.9% who reported an annual pre-tax net income of $115,000 or less and 32.3% earned more than $115,000. Of the latter group, 12% indicated that they were earning more than $215,000. Income was not related to the hours worked per week particularly for males. Supply and Demand: When considering their home state and their local region, more chiropractors thought that there was undersupply in their state, but an adequate supply in their local region. A large proportion (40%) of the sample felt that universities in Australia were graduating the correct number of chiropractors per year, and 32% reported that too many were being produced in Australia. Very few reported that the Universities were not graduating enough chiropractors. Conclusion: This paper reflects some of the findings from Stage 1 of the three stage Workforce study, showing a profession heading towards a more even gender balance and characterised by a higher than average annual income. Future research should include the impact on supply and demand of the possibility of an increasingly female profession. In addition to this, although there is a perception that there is under-utilisation of chiropractic services in inland, rural and remote areas, the extent of which should be further explored. Information from this study will assist with strategic decision making and planning. A strategic framework for the profession should not only consider the findings from this study but also explore other factors that may have an impact on supply and demand, for example general trends in health and aging from local and national government reports. 2012-12-17T02:10:27.901Z ]]> http://www.researchonline.mq.edu.au/vital/access/manager/Repository/mq:22119 Objectives: The purpose of this study was to describe the chiropractic profession in NSW, in terms of the demographic, educational and socio-demographic background of the chiropractic profession. Information regarding clinics and patient characteristics was also collected and discussed. Methods: A 64 item, cross-sectional survey questionnaire was constructed using a structured questionnaire in consultation with the local regulatory authority at that time, the NSW Chiropractic Registration Board. Survey questions were sent to 1244 registered chiropractors in NSW in 2005/2006 (CAA and non CAA members) Results: Demographic information: The sample of surveyed chiropractors comprised of 171 male (76%), and 54 female (24%) respondents with the majority of respondents being between 30 and 50 years (71.2%). Of the chiropractors surveyed, 94% were still in active practice. From this sample, chiropractors in NSW tend to live and work in metropolitan areas, with the remaining 30% living and practicing in rural and remote areas (or interstate). Education of Respondents: Close to 90% of participants graduated from one of three Australian chiropractic schools (Macquarie University, Sydney College of Chiropractic, RMIT/Phillip Institute of Technology) with a total of 16 chiropractic schools represented in our sample. Overall, respondents felt they were better trained in the medical aspects compared to the business and administration aspects of the profession. Eighty six percent (86%) of respondents believed that clinical practice met their expectations as a student. Practice Characteristics: At the time of the survey, of those who were active in practice, the majority of respondents (79%) reported they were at only one clinic. For the majority of respondents who were not in practice, the main reason was retirement. Income and Operation of Practice: The most reported income bracket was $90-114k (20%) with approximately 62% of surveyed chiropractors earned over $90k per annum. The most common way for patients to hear about a chiropractor was through word of mouth, with 92% of respondents indicating this referral method. Surveyed chiropractors indicated that standard musculoskeletal complaints (75.8%) were the most frequently encountered problem among chiropractic patients. Forty percent of chiropractors indicated ‘pediatrics’ as a common patient group, followed by geriatrics, sporting injuries and women’s health. Conclusion: The socio-demographic and practice characteristics found in this study are in line with previously published data from the United States, UK and Europe. The information found in this survey may be used as a guide to assist undergraduate and postgraduate chiropractic educational programs in ‘closing the gap’ between chiropractic education and clinical practice. 2012-10-23T00:35:31.155Z ]]> http://www.researchonline.mq.edu.au/vital/access/manager/Repository/mq:19178 Comments on the Australasian College of Chiropractors' Research Summit which investigated the significance of strategic research are offered. 2012-05-15T14:11:22.239Z ]]>