Research Priorities of the Australian Chiropractic Profession: A Cross-Sectional Survey of Academics and Practitioners

Objective: The purpose of this study was to explore the research priorities of Australian practicing chiropractors and academics across a set of research domains to determine the agreement or disagreement based on these domains. Methods: We conducted a pilot-tested online survey focusing on the following 5 principal research domains: basic science, conditions (disorders chiropractors may encounter), patient subgroups, clinical interventions, and practice and public health/health services. Responses were sought regarding support for funding research scholarships, practice-based research networks, scientific conferences/symposia, journals, and existing research agendas. Data were collected (February 19 to May 24, 2019) from a sample of chiropractic academics (n(1) = 33) representing 4 Australian programs and practicing chiropractors (n(2) = 340). Collected data were ranked and analyzed to determine agreement across domains and items. Results: There was agreement between the 2 groups across the majority (> 90%) of domain items. The closest agreement and highest rankings were achieved for the "clinical interventions and practice " and "conditions " domains. Disagreement was observed within specific domain items, such as patient subgroups (infants), and for 1 intervention (chiropractic-specific techniques). Disagreement also occurred outside of the main domains, including research agenda support and funding. Conclusions: There was overall agreement between practicing chiropractors and academics across most research area domain items, which should help facilitate consensus-led development of any potential Australian Chiropractic research agenda. Disagreements across specific domain items, such as population subgroups, interventions, and funding require further investigation.