Abstract
BackgroundSeveral surveys that have been published show opinions regarding a change in the scope of chiropractic practice to include prescription rights. Currently, research into the attitudes of South African chiropractors towards having this right is non-existent.AimTo ascertain the attitudes of South African chiropractors towards the inclusion of drug prescription rights in their scope of practice.SettingThe study was conducted on chiropractors registered with the Allied Health Professions Council of South Africa and members of the Chiropractic Association of South Africa.MethodA self-administrative online questionnaire was developed, and sent via email to all registered chiropractors in South Africa in February 2020. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse the data.ResultsThe response rate for this study was 15.9% (n = 138). 84% (n =105) were in favour of limited prescription rights for over-the-counter medication. However, 79.6% (n = 98) did not agree to full prescriptions rights for non-musculoskeletal drugs. A total of 33.6% (n = 42) rarely recommended OTC and prescription-based analgesics, muscle relaxants and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to their acute patients and 37.9% (n = 52) rarely recommended these drugs to chronic patients. 68.8% (n = 86) were confident in their knowledge of musculoskeletal drugs and 91.2% (n = 112) agreed on further education and training in pharmacology for those practitioners seeking limited medication prescription rights.Conclusion The majority of South African chiropractor respondents indicated an interest in expanding their scope of practice to include limited prescription rights.ContributionThese findings could indicate a shift in the attitudes of chiropractors towards drug prescription rights within the profession.
Highlights
The use of over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription drugs by chiropractors is a controversial issue worldwide (Emary & Stuber 2014)
The majority of South African chiropractor respondents indicated an interest in expanding their scope of practice to include limited prescription rights
Contribution: These findings could indicate a shift in the attitudes of chiropractors towards drug prescription rights within the profession
Summary
The use of over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription drugs by chiropractors is a controversial issue worldwide (Emary & Stuber 2014). Emary and Stuber asserted that, in the approximately 120-year history of chiropractic, the profession has been known as a drugless and non-surgical healing profession (Emary & Stuber 2014), which has resulted in philosophic debates regarding the direction of the profession. Despite these assertions, in some jurisdictions in the world, chiropractors can gain licences to prescribe OTC and/or prescription-based medications such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), analgesics and muscle relaxants for common musculoskeletal conditions (Robert 2003). Research into the attitudes of South African chiropractors towards having this right is non-existent
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