A survey of Ontario chiropractors: their views on maximizing patient compliance to prescribed home exercise

A survey of Ontario chiropractors: their views on maximizing patient compliance to prescribed home exercise
2006 June
Kelly Donkers Ainsworth, BSc, DC, MD Candidate* and Carol C. Hagino, BSc, MBA**
Journal of the Canadian Chiropractic Association
PubMed Central

Copyright © JCCA 2006

* Candidate for Doctor of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
** Research Faculty, Lecturer, Division of Graduate Education and Research Program (GERP), CMCC, Toronto, ON, Canada
Author responsible for correspondence concerning manuscript. Michael G. Degroote School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, MDCL-3101, 1200 Main Street West, Hamilton, Ontario e-mail: kelly.ainsworth@learnlink.mcmaster.ca

Abstract
OBJECTIVE
The objective of this study was to compile an inventory of the strategies most frequently used by Ontario chiropractors in their efforts to maximize patient compliance to prescribed home exercise.

DESIGN
The design consisted of a cross-sectional self-report web-based survey of Ontario chiropractors.

PARTICIPANTS
Eligible participants consisted of chiropractors in active practice in Ontario (treating, on average, at least 1 patient per week) and prescribing home exercises at least once in the last 30 days.

RESULTS
The compliance strategies used most frequently by Ontario chiropractors were: keeping instructions simple (82%, 95% CI = 75Ò90%); motivating patients by explaining exercises in a positive and enthusiastic manner (81%, 95% CI = 74Ò89%); giving patients encouragement, support and praise (80%, 95% CI = 72Ò88%); prescribing exercises that require low-cost equipment (70%, 95% CI = 61Ò78%); and supplying patients with material that helps demonstrate the exercises (62%, 95% CI = 53Ò71%) and educating patients by discussing the importance of and benefits to exercise (62%, 95% CI = 53Ò71%).

CONCLUSION
There appeared to be respondent consensus on the main compliance strategies used by Ontario chiropractors. Now that we have a current listing

Keywords: patient compliance, compliance, exercise, exercise therapy

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