Design, Setting, and Participants A cross-sectional national random sample survey of 400 chiropractors and 400 family physicians. Main Outcome Measures Reports on shared patients including information on adverse events, treatment, and health status. Attitudes toward perceived expertise as well as perceived liability and economic competition involved in sharing care were also assessed. Both groups believed that they did not receive enough information on adverse health outcomes or treatment plans for shared patients. These findings indicate that care is fragmented between chiropractors and the general medical sector, with little information communicated between health care providers on issues with critical importance to quality of care.
Further study is needed to identify ways to improve communication and coordination of care.
Arch Fam Med. Accepted for publication September 10, 1999. All rights reserved.