Journal of Chiropractic Medicine
Volume 8, Issue 2 , Pages 62-71, June 2009

An exploratory mixed-method study to determine factors that may affect satisfaction levels of athletes receiving chiropractic care in a nonclinic setting☆

  • Grant Talmage, M.Tech(Chiro)

      Affiliations

    • Lecturer, Department Chiropractic and Somatology, DUT, PO Box 1334, Durban 4001, South Africa (RSA)
    • ,
  • Charmaine Korporaal, M.Tech(Chiro), CCFC, CCSP, ICSSD

      Affiliations

    • Head of Department, Department Chiropractic and Somatology, DUT, PO Box 1334, Durban 4001, South Africa (RSA)
    • Adjunct Research Faculty, Cleveland Chiropractic College, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90004
    • Corresponding Author InformationCorresponding author. Durban University of Technology, PO Box 1334, Durban, 4001, South Africa (RSA). Tel.: +27 (0) 31 373 2611; fax: + 27 (0) 31 202 3632.
    • ,
  • James W. Brantingham, DC, PhD

      Affiliations

    • Director of Research and Associate Professor, Cleveland Chiropractic College, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90004
    • Adjunct Research Faculty, Durban University of Technology, South Africa

Received 15 July 2008; received in revised form 26 November 2008; accepted 26 November 2008.

Abstract 

Objectives

The objectives of this study were to determine factors that may affect satisfaction levels of participants in a nonclinic (sport) setting through participant observation and participation. Factors associated with general satisfaction (observed) were determined along with a participant demographic profile, participant knowledge about chiropractic, and satisfaction with treatment received from a chiropractic student. Thereafter, the relationships between the demographic factors, participant knowledge, and participant general satisfaction were determined. Lastly, factors affecting satisfaction levels were compared between the participants and the observers.

Methods

An exploratory mixed-method observational study that compared results reported by 30 participants and 2 observers, regarding the treatment process, by completion of a self-administered questionnaire. Statistical significance was set at P less than or equal to .05.

Results

Of the 30 participants, 83.3% were South African, 90% were white, and 63.3% were male, with a mean age of 35.6 years, who reported they were very satisfied with chiropractic care (P = .229). The only factor to produce a significant difference between participants and observers was communication (P = .082 with Spearman = .332).

Conclusion

In this study, communication had the greatest impact; therefore, it is suggested that positive verbal and nonverbal communication be emphasized in the training of future chiropractic professionals.

Key indexing terms: Quality assurance, Health care, Patient satisfaction, Chiropractic, Problem-based learning

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☆ Durban University of Technology provided funding for this study.

PII: S1556-3707(09)00030-3

doi:10.1016/j.jcm.2008.11.003

Journal of Chiropractic Medicine
Volume 8, Issue 2 , Pages 62-71, June 2009

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