Swiss chiropractic cohort (Swiss ChiCo) pilot study: feasibility for a musculoskeletal cohort study conducted within a nationwide practice-based research network
Authors: Lalji Rahim , Hofstetter Léonie , Kongsted Alice , von Wyl Viktor , Braun Julia , Puhan Milo A. , Hincapié Cesar A. ,   Swiss ChiCo Clinicians Group, Bidlingmeyer Aline , Fingal Andreas , Maire Anja , Gassner Antonia , Kurmann Astrid , Pulver Bernhard , Beetschen Carole , Chervet Christian , Padua Christina , Schmid Christof , Noirat-Berdat Clarisse , Illi Claude , Faas Colette , Minder Corinne R. , Mauron Damien , Strauss Dominic , Fingal Elisabeth , Léonard Emilie , Leu Fabienne Fehr , Gianola Federica , Salzmann Ilona , Waldner Jeanne , Cordey Jean-Pierre , Baret Jérémie , Olesen Kirsten , Béranger Laure , Rohner Lea , Rabold Lorene , Nyirö Luana , Thurnherr Malin Bengtsdotter , Mühlemann Malin , Arioli Marcel , Hoarau Marielle , Roy Marie-Pierre , Uffer Martina , Schmutz Martine Randoll , Merz Martin , Bianchi Matilde A. , Häusler Melanie , Renfer Michael , Aymon Michel , Schläppi Mireille , Faigaux Nadia , Graf Nadia , Schenk Nicholas , Kibler Nicole Aeschlimann , Schläppi Nicole , Osseiran Nils , Yerly Nina , Amrhein Noemi , Beereuter Patric , Ryser Patrick , Bon Peter , Keller Peter , Austinat Rebecca Duvanel , Noirat Roland , Clerc Romain , Bösiger Roy , Kosewähr Samuel , Filliez Sarah , Meier Sara , Leemann Serafin , Francey Seraina , Nebiker Sibylle , Müller Simone , Nardini Sonja , Zimmermann Stephanie , Rauber Stefan , Schmutz Thierry , Lüthy Thomas , Thurnherr Thomas , Leleu Tom , Zahner Urs , Billa Vincent , Jardine William 
Published: March 2024

Purpose

Practice-based research networks are collaborations between clinicians and researchers to advance primary care research. This study aims to assess the feasibility for longitudinal data collection within a newly established chiropractic PBRN in Switzerland.

Methods

A prospective observational cohort feasibility study was performed. PBRN participating chiropractors were asked to recruit patients seeking new conservative health care for musculoskeletal pain from March 28, 2022, to September 28, 2022. Participants completed clinically oriented survey questions and patient-reported outcome measures before the initial chiropractic assessment as well as 1 h, 2 weeks, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks thereafter. Feasibility was assessed through a variety of process, resource, and management metrics. Patient clinical outcomes were also assessed.

Results

A total of 76 clinicians from 35 unique primary care chiropractic clinics across Switzerland participated. A total of 1431 patients were invited to participate, of which 573 (mean age 47 years, 51% female) were enrolled. Patient survey response proportions were 76%, 64%, 61%, and 56%, at the 1-h, 2-, 6-, and 12-week survey follow-ups, respectively. Evidence of an association was found between increased patient age (OR = 1.03, 95%CI 1.01–1.04), patient from a German-speaking region (OR = 1.81, 95%CI 1.17–2.86), non-smokers (OR = 1.89, 95%CI 1.13–3.17), and increased pain impact score at baseline (OR = 1.18, 95%CI 1.01–1.38) and response to all surveys.

Conclusion

The Swiss ChiCo pilot study exceeded its prespecified feasibility objectives. Nationwide longitudinal data capture was highly feasible. Similar to other practice-based cohorts, participant retention remains a challenge.

Trial registration Swiss chiropractic cohort (Swiss ChiCo) pilot study (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT05116020).