An international stakeholder survey of the role of chiropractic qualifying examinations: A qualitative analysis

Abstract

Objective: Many countries require examinations as a gateway to chiropractic licensure; however, the relevance of these exams to the profession has not been explored. The purposes of this study were to analyze perceptions of international stakeholders about chiropractic qualifying examinations (CQEs), observe if their beliefs were in alignment with those that society expects of professions, and suggest how this information may be used when making future decisions about CQEs. Methods: We designed an electronic survey that included open-ended questions related to CQEs. In August 2019, the survey was distributed to 234 international stakeholders representing academic institutions, qualifying boards, students, practitioners, association officers, and others. Written comments were extracted, and concepts were categorized and collapsed into 4 categories (benefits, myths, concerns, solutions). Qualitative analysis was used to identify themes. Results: The response rate was 56.4% representing 43 countries and yielding 775 comments. Perceived benefits included that CQEs certify a minimum standard of knowledge and competency and are part of the professionalization of chiropractic. Myths included that CQEs are able to screen for future quality of care or ethical practices. Concerns included a lack of standardization between jurisdictions and uncertainty about the cost/value of CQEs and what they measure. Solutions included suggestions to standardize exams across jurisdictions and focus on competencies. Conclusion: International stakeholders identified concepts about CQEs that may facilitate or hinder collaboration and efforts toward portability. Stakeholder beliefs were aligned with those expected of learned professions. This qualitative analysis identified 9 major themes that may be used when making future decisions about CQEs.

In memoriam of Alan H. Adams, DC, MS, MSEd:

“…He inspired me to assist with fortifying and building education research capacity for the chiropractic profession through research, including in my role as a journal editor. [32][33][34][35][36] Al had a passion to increase educational research capacity in chiropractic. With this in mind he worked with medical educators at the University of Southern California to create a master's program in health professions education that could elevate health professions educators' teaching and leadership skills.…”

Response of Practicing Chiropractors during the Early Phase of the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Descriptive Report

“…14 Although the majority of chiropractors (74%) currently practice in the US, the number of chiropractors in other countries is growing. 18 Patients typically have direct access to chiropractors and do not require a referral to receive chiropractic care. Chiropractors often function as primary contact practitioners (ie, in some areas this is known as portal of entry) and work at the primary level in healthcare.…”

Chiropractic qualifying examinations: Honoring the profession's commitment to society

“…Concerns about qualifying examinations, solutions to perceived problems, and thoughts on the future of these tests on an international level demonstrate that the profession has many commonalities but also has diversity in its world views. 14 How NBCE examinations are scored, the psychometrics involved in developing the tests, and why changes are made have at times been somewhat of a mystery to many in the profession. In the papers in this issue, leaders of the NBCE discuss recent and future changes to the examinations designed to keep the examinations consistent with best practices in educational measurement.…”