Home PublicationsChiropractic Journal of AustraliaBack Issues: 1990-1999Volume 27 Vol.27 Issue 3

CJA Vol.27 Issue 3

Editorial: While the Jury is Out
Mary Ann Chance and Rolf E. Peters

A Mechanical and Graphical Evaluation of the Gonstead Pelvic Radiographic Analysis.
John A. Dulhunty

Compliance or Empowerment: An Australian Case Study
Jennifer R. Jamison

When Is Someone Qualified in Chiropractic?
Andries M. Kleynhans

Chiropractic History Research Posters: Active Learning of Research Skills and Chiropractic Heritage
Bart N. Green and Claire D. Johnson

Letters : Book Review

ABSTRACTS

A Mechanical and Graphical Evaluation of the Gonstead Pelvic Radiographic Analysis

John A. Dulhunty

Objective: To review x-ray projection principles and spinal biomechanics relative to the Gonstead x-ray marking system, and suggest appropriate changes to the technique to ensure consistency with these principles.
Method: The results of a review of the literature, including texts relating to the Gonstead system of x-ray analysis of the pelvis were correlated with spinal biomechanical and x-ray projection principles drawn from geographical and mathematical methods. Areas of possible conflict and inconsistency were identified.
Results: Lack of an appropriate positioning constant, measurement constant and meaningful measurement variables were identified resulting in an inability of the Gonstead technnique to reliably differentiate patient malpositioning, malformation, and misalignment (subluxation) as projected on spinal radiographs. The Gonstead x-ray line marking system was shown to be inappropriate for analysing a loss of positional integrity in the pelvis.
Conclusion: The shortcomings identified with the Gonstead spinal analysis system to reliably quantify and qualify loss of positional integrity demand an alternative system which is proposed, and which should be consistent with accepted biomechanical and projection principles.

Index Terms: MeSH Chiropractic; Chiropractic, Methods; Radiography. Other Vertebral Subluxation; Gonstead Technique

Chiropr J Aust 1997; 27:98-110

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Compliance or Empowerment: An Australian Case Study

Jennifer R. Jamison

A collective case study of Australian chiropractic practices was undertaken to determine the nature and extent of patient participation in their health management. Research Design: Twenty-one chiropractic practices were visited and 25 chiropractor-patient units explored. Purposive sampling of practitioners was undertaken using a maximum variation strategy. Convenience sampling of patients was performed within each participating practice. Data was gathered from each chiropractor-patient unit, consisting of one practitioner and usually five patients, by means of practitioner interview, patient questionnaire and interview and, in certain cases, practice observation. Thematic analysis of the interview was correlated with information derived from the patient questionnaires and validated by selective practice observation. Data was compared within and across chiropractor-patient units.
Results/Discussion: All the chiropractors participating in this study expected patients to play a role in their health management. Most patients were aware of their practitioner’s expectation.Anticipated participation varied from the minimal requirement of adherence to the appointment schedule to an exercise or postural change. Great emphasis was placed on the patient’s freedom to choose and their ultimate responsibility for their own health care and wellness program.
Conclusion: This case study suggests that chiropractors do expect patients to participate in their care. Such participation is consistent with the implementation of a relational model of health care in which the patient compliance is best described as voluntary self-care.

Index Terms: MeSH: Chiropractic; Co-operative Behaviour; Patient Compliance; Patient Participation Other; Empowerment

Chiropr J Aust 1997; 27:111-6

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When is Someone Qualified in Chiropractic?

Andries M. Kleynhans

Prompted by the debate whether it is acceptable medical practitioners as chiropractors, this paper explores the complex issues of the kind and amount of education and training necessary to produce a chiropractor. It is based on the assumption that 1) any person admitted to the profession as a qualified practitioner must demonstrate competence at an internationally recognised standard, 2) the time required for education and training is the time needed to acquire the knowledge, skills and attitudes of a chiropractor which the person does not already have, and 3) there are basic characteristics of chiropractic that makes it unique and should be included in all chiropractic curricula. Intent, content, teaching-learning methods and student assessment are explored in light of the philosophical, sociological, cultural and psychological foundations of the chiropractic curriculum.

INDEX TERMS: MeSH: Chiropractic; Education; Curriculum.

Chiropr J Aust 1997; 27:117-26.

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Chiropractic History Research Posters: Active Learning of Research Skills and Chiropractic Heritage

Bart N. Green and Claire D. Johnson

It is important for chiropractors to be able to search the literature and present a brief synopsis of their research. Described here is an assignment from a chiropractic history course in which students are required to perform a literature search on a chiropractic history topic and report their findings using a research poster. The course instructor and college librarians guide the students in data retrieval and presentation. The benefits of this assignment include active learning of research methods, provision of a medium for a deeper understanding of a particular historical topic, and promotion of a sense of professional pride. The reasons, methods and outcomes of assignng this type of project are described in this paper.

INDEX TERMS: MeSH: Chiropractic; Education; Research. Other: Poster

Chiropr J Aust 1997; 27:127-3

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