Inter- and intraexaminer reliability of the Blair protractoview method: examination of a chiropractic radiographic technique
Received 16 October 2009; received in revised form 22 January 2010; accepted 3 February 2010.
Abstract
Objective
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the inter- and intraexaminer reliability of the Blair protractoview radiographic method.
Methods
This retrospective study evaluated 25 participants attending a Blair technique seminar. Participants included chiropractic students and doctors of chiropractic with more than 11 years of experience. Participants evaluated 100 Blair protractoview radiographs (oblique nasium). A κ analysis was used to determine the inter- and intraexaminer reliability because of the nominal categorical value of the variables. For the interexaminer reliability, a κ score was given for each examiner combination. The scores were then averaged to give the total interexaminer reliability.
Results
The overall interexaminer reliability showed substantial reliability at 0.62. Within-group κ values were as follows: no certification = 0.61, proficiency = 0.66, primary level = 0.61, and advanced level = 0.74. The overall intraexaminer reliability showed outstanding reliability at 0.81. Within-group κ values were as follows: no certification = 0.76, proficiency = 0.84, primary level = 0.82, and advanced level = 0.92. All κ values had a P value < .001.
Conclusion
The participants in this study showed good inter- and intraexaminer reliability using the Blair protractoview radiographic method.
ePrivate Practice, Forest Chiropractic Clinic, Pleasanton, CA
Corresponding author. Academic Health Center, Palmer College of Chiropractic, 1000 Brady St., Davenport, IA 52803. Tel.: +1 563 884 5184; fax: +1 563 884 5470.
ABSTRACT