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Demystifying Contemporary Chiropractic Professional Identity

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Thesis(2.08 MB)

Date

2024

Authors

Glucina, Tanja

Supervisor

Krägeloh, Chris
Spencer, Kirsten
Holt, Kelly

Item type

Thesis

Degree name

Doctor of Philosophy

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Publisher

Auckland University of Technology

Abstract

The lack of clarity surrounding the role of chiropractic within the healthcare landscape has been attributed to disharmony from within the profession. This internal discord arises from differing perspectives on professional identity and varying approaches to patient care, rooted in distinct philosophical and therapeutic orientations. The historical struggle for identity within the chiropractic field has resulted in fragmentation, further complicating the profession's overall identity. These conflicting views and the absence of a shared identity make it challenging to distinguish chiropractic from related healthcare professions, emphasising the vital need for establishing a clear professional identity in healthcare. Despite chiropractic being formally recognised as a health profession with demonstrated clinical efficacy, achieving a shared sense of chiropractic identity remains elusive. To drive progress in the broader healthcare arena, establishing a cohesive and unified approach becomes imperative. Understanding professional identity, which encompasses how professionals perceive themselves and their work both individually and collectively, is crucial for understanding professional behaviours across various contexts. However, exploring professional identity within the realm of chiropractic necessitates a comprehensive analysis of its diverse components and intricate facets. The clarification of chiropractic professional identity (CPI) carries significant implications, including improving patient care, fostering collaboration, and strengthening the profession's position in healthcare. The research for this thesis comprised an initial focus on understanding the current state of CPI among practicing chiropractors, achieved through an in-depth critical review of existing literature. An evident lack of a formal definition for CPI underscored the need for a deeper understanding and clarification of its constituent elements. The final phase of this research was dedicated to the development and validation of a novel measurement tool known as the Chiropractic Professional Identity Embodiment Scale (CPIES). The psychometric evaluation of the 15-item CPIES demonstrated to be both valid and reliable with very strong test-retest reliability. The establishment of a clear professional identity within the chiropractic field is of paramount importance to facilitate effective collaboration, streamlined communication, and the realisation of a unified vision for the future. The utilisation of a validated instrument such as the 15-item CPIES, either as a comprehensive unidimensional scale, or by employing its component subscales to assess various aspects of CPI, can significantly expedite this process. The profound implications of gaining a deeper understanding and assessing CPI extend to enhancing career success and overall satisfaction for chiropractic professionals. This research ultimately contributes practical solutions and innovative insights into the complicated construct of CPI with far-reaching implications for practitioners, educators, and the chiropractic profession as a whole.

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http://hdl.handle.net/10292/18260

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Doctoral Theses