Joel Alcantara, DC
Objective: To assess the perceptions of safety culture among chiropractors
Methods: A modified version of the AHRQ Medical Office Survey on Patient Safety Culture was given to a convenience sample of chiropractors attending a post-graduate seminar in pediatric chiropractic. In addition to socio-demographic and practice/practitioner characteristics, the survey includes 38 items that measure 10 dimensions of patient safety culture. Responses utilized a 5-point Likert-type scale (i.e., strongly agree to strongly disagree; always to never).
Results: A total of 136 chiropractors completed the survey. Their average years in practice was 8.445 (SD=8.00). Identified safety and quality issues include unavailability of patient records and improperly working equipment. Problems in communication with outside laboratories/imaging centers and with other chiropractic/medical offices was indicated as occurring several times in the last 12 months by 24% and 13% of the responders, respectively. However, the majority (91%; N=124) indicated that systems and clinical processes were in place to avoid potential harms to patients. In terms of ratings on quality of care, 92.20% of responders indicated that their clinics were patient-centered, effective, timely, efficient and equitable.
Conclusion: We identified issues and overall perceptions with safety and quality of patient care among chiropractors.
Highlights of the Study
Presented at ACC-RAC 2019: Baltimore, MD Mar 14-16, 2019
