news STUDY FAVOURS TEAM-BASED CARE FOR BACK PAIN A recent pilot project shows quicker access to treatment and faster di-agnoses for low-back-pain patients when using chiropractors in teams with family physicians. Low back pain is a major health issue in Ontario. It affects 84 per cent of the working population at some point in their life and is second only to the common cold as a cause of lost work time. According to new research, Ontarians and physicians are open to new ways to deal with back pain. Less than one in five Ontarians say their back pain is resolved quickly and easily, with a majority being in favour of including chiroprac-tors in teams with family physicians for the management of their back pain -and family physicians agree. New research from the Ontario Chiropractic Association (OCA) con-ducted by Environics Research Group shows the vast majority (93 per cent) of family physicians frequently treat patients with low back pain and more than half (55 per cent) find it challenging to treat these pa-tients on their own. Three-quarters (75 per cent) say they think their pa-tients suffering from low back pain could benefit from treatment options offered by other health-care professionals. “Chronic low-back-pain patients are commonly referred to orthopedic surgeons, even though about 90 per cent are not surgical candidates. They are also often referred for unnecessary expensive diagnostic services such as MRIs,” says Dr. Robert Haig, Chief Executive Officer of the Ontario Chiropractic Association. “We believe that by collaborating with family physi-cians to deliver evidence-informed low-back-pain care, we can provide patient-centred, positive results for Ontarians. This is why we pilot tested the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care–funded ‘Consulting Chiropractor’ model of care.” The OCA pilot project evaluated the benefits of involving chiropractors in a primary care team-based setting by assessing patients with low back pain and discussing treatment options with the patient’s family physician. Results of the pilot project showed that a 30-minute assessment from a chiropractor resulted in a reduction in requests for MRIs and referrals to surgical specialists as reported by the participating family physicians. From the perspective of the participating family physicians, a quick turnaround between them and the chiropractor resulted in increased patient confi-dence in diagnosis and treatment options. Currently, Ontarians are seeking treatment from a variety of health-care providers for their back pain, such as chiroprac-tors, physiotherapists, specialist physicians and registered massage therapists. Three-quarters (74 per cent) think it would be a better use of our health-care dollars if professionals such as chiropractors were used more in teams with family physicians. “Across the province, family doctors are starting to work in innovative and collaborative ways with other health-care professionals. There is so much more that we can do when we work in teams,” says Jan Kasperski, Chief Executive Of-ficer of the Ontario College of Family Physicians. “Back pain is a common problem that causes significant disability. Better management of these patients by family doctors supported by the expertise of various health-care professionals such as chiropractors and physiotherapists is a solution that will ensure Ontarians with back pain will receive the best care possible.” Collaboration is already happening in a number of ways across the province, with over 74 per cent of family physicians referring to chiropractors, and that number is increasing. “The Drummond Report and the Ministry’s own Action Plan make it clear that patient-centred, collaborative care is the way of the future,” says Dr. Robert Haig. “We are encouraged by this language, and the results of our recent studies dem-onstrate that this is what Ontarians, and family physicians, want too.” Ê ÀÊÀiÊvÀ>ÌÊ>LÕÌÊV À«À>VÌVÊV>ÀiÊÀÊÌÊw`Ê>ÊV À«À>VÌÀÊÊÞÕÀÊ>Ài>]Ê}ÊÌÊÜÜÜ°V À«À>VÌV°°V>ÊU PATHWAYS TO PRACTICE, 2012 The Ontario Chiropractic Association announces that its annual Pathways to Practice event will be taking place on Sat-urday, October 27, at the Hilton Toronto. This professional development day qualifies for up to six hours of structured credits for continuing education as outlined by the College of Chiropractors of Ontario. This year the OCA is pleased to feature special guest Dr. Richard Brown, a chiropractor and lawyer practising in the United Kingdom. Since 2009, Dr. Brown has been the President of the British Chiropractic Association (BCA) and was instrumental in leading the Association during one of the profession’s most challenging times in Britain. Dr. Shawn Thistle, founder and president of the Research Review Service, will also be presenting at the event. Back by popular demand, a tradeshow will feature more than 30 professional exhibitors showcasing a variety of products and services designed to help you in your practice. Delegates can also check out Tech Talk, the internet café that offers attendees the chance to experience the latest software products or to simply connect on the web. Delegates can test drive PMP and ChiroWrite, and access other OCA resources from several computer workstations. There will be draws for prizes and a closing reception where delegates can network with peers and explore the tradeshow. For more information on this event, including registration details, please visit www.chiropractic.on.ca. s CANADIAN CHIROPRACTOR | JULY/AUGUST 2012 www.canadianchiropractor.ca
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