An Audit of Health Products Advertised for Sale on Chiropractic Web Sites in Canada and Consideration of These Practices in the Context of Canadian Chiropractic Codes of Ethics and Conduct

The Perspectives and Practices of Alberta Chiropractors Regarding the Sale of Health Care Products in Chiropractic Offices

“…Previous data suggest that at least 50% engage in product sales. 3 Estimating the proportion of chiropractors who sold health products to ±5% with 90% confidence interval and a desired confidence interval of 90% (±5%) required a sample of 271 subjects. Because the average response rate for mailed surveys of chiropractors has been reported at approximately 50%, the sampling frame was set at 542.…”

“…2,3 In addition, 2 chiropractors and 1 ethicist reviewed the draft survey and were asked to provide comments on its face validity and the clarity of question presentation and response options. Their suggestions were incorporated as appropriate.…”

“…1 Two previous studies used Web site audits to explore the extent to which Canadian chiropractors sell health care products from their practices. 2,3 The first considered 56 Web sites of practitioners in the province of Alberta, Canada. 2 Almost two thirds of these advertised health products for sale (n = 37, 65%).…”

“…2,3 The first considered 56 Web sites of practitioners in the province of Alberta, Canada. 2 Almost two thirds of these advertised health products for sale (n = 37, 65%). Orthotics were most frequently advertised (n = 29, 52%) followed by pillows and supports (n = 15, 27%), vitamins and nutritional supplements (n = 15, 27%), and exercise/rehabilitation products (n = 10, 18%).…”

“…The second study replicated the methods of the first study and considered chiropractic Web sites nationally. 3 Two hundred eighty-seven Web sites were reviewed, and slightly more than half contained information on health products for sale (n = 158, 54%). Similar to the provincial findings, orthotics were sold most often (n = 136, 47%).…”