The knowledge, attitudes and perceptions of qualified chiropractors and physiotherapists in South Africa regarding the other professional practice
Authors:   , Ravidutt Micaela 
Published: September 2023

Chiropractors and physiotherapists treat patients that present with similar conditions. Arising from this, a sense of competition is perceived between these professionals, as both professions use similar methods of treatment when providing care to their patients. However, chiropractors and physiotherapists may belong to different health paradigms which influences how each profession approaches patient management. There is also an overlap between the roles of each profession in providing healthcare, as the methods of managing patients seem to be similar. This requires an investigation into the knowledge, attitudes and perceptions of qualified chiropractors and physiotherapists in South Africa regarding the other professional practice. This could potentially determine possible misconceptions and myths that the two professions have of each other’s practice. If identified and corrected, this could influence awareness within a multidisciplinary setting to enhance and promote holistic patient-centred care. Aim The aim of this study was to determine the knowledge, attitudes and perceptions of qualified chiropractors and physiotherapists in South Africa regarding the other professional practice. Methodology The research conducted was a quantitative study with a descriptive design which targeted qualified chiropractors and physiotherapists in South Africa. The research tool was an online questionnaire administered through an online platform named the QuestionPro Survey, which included questions and statements relating to the knowledge, attitudes and perceptions of the two professions regarding the other professional practice to meet the objectives of the study. The minimum sample size required for this study comprised of 116 chiropractors and 128 physiotherapists. The data obtained from each group were analysed separately and then a comparative analysis was done. An alpha value of 0.05 and a margin of error of 0.085 were assumed. Results Chiropractors and physiotherapists in South Africa generally demonstrated good knowledge, positive attitudes, and positive perceptions toward the other profession. Both professions were familiar with the other profession’s scope of practice. Chiropractors achieved a mean knowledge score of 75.7%, whereas physiotherapists obtained 59.7% on their knowledge of the examinations performed by the other profession. Chiropractors obtained an average score of 85.3% and physiotherapists achieved 72.0% on their knowledge of the treatment modalities that the other profession may perform for a patient. Both professions had good knowledge about the conditions that the other profession may treat, with chiropractors having achieved a mean knowledge score of 82.4% and physiotherapists having obtained a score of 77.3%. A total of 75.0% of chiropractors and 72.1% of physiotherapists considered the other profession to be competent in examining neuromusculoskeletal conditions. More chiropractors (82.8%) than physiotherapists (70.0%) believed the other profession to be competent in treating neuromusculoskeletal conditions. Each profession acknowledged the role of the other profession within the South African healthcare system. Of the sampled professions, 81.9% of chiropractors and 55.3% of physiotherapists had referred patients to the other profession. It was found that 69.8% of chiropractors, compared to 32.1% of physiotherapists, had patients referred to them by the other profession. A total of 69.0% of chiropractors and 55.3% of physiotherapists were in agreement that they would like to work closely with the other profession. Conclusion In South Africa, chiropractors and physiotherapists had good knowledge and positive attitudes and perceptions of each other’s practices. There also appeared to be a referral relationship between these professions. However, the challenges between the professions were limited and there was insufficient inter-professional awareness and exposure when practicing within the different health paradigms. Therefore, inter-professional education between chiropractors and physiotherapists of their practices as part of the university curriculum within a multidisciplinary team should be enhanced and encouraged. This would enhance and encourage inter-professional relationships between the two professions, thus promoting the delivery of holistic patient-centred care.