Table 3

Predictors of Intra-professional Referral Patterns

Predictors
Do you recommend initiating a formal referral with a DC?
OR (95% CI)
Have you refused a referral from a DC?
OR (95% CI)
Has a DC obtained clinical info or advice via curbside consultation?
OR (95% CI)
Have you obtained clinical info or curbside consultation from a DC?
OR (95% CI)

Age (in years)




     26–35
0.79 (0.37 – 1.66)
0.22 (0.05 – 0.92) ¥
2.97 (1.17 – 7.52) ¥
5.02 (1.92 – 13.10) ¥
     36–45
0.62 (0.31 – 1.22)
0.52 (0.19 – 1.43)
2.33 (1.03 – 5.22) ¥
2.16 (1.04 – 4.47) ¥
     46–55
0.68 (0.35 – 1.35)
0.71 (0.28 – 1.82)
1.32 (0.63 – 2.76)
2.14 (1.04 – 4.39) ¥
     >55*
1.00
1.00
1.00
1.00
Sex




     Male
0.76 (0.44 – 1.30)
1.04 (0.42 – 2.59)
1.17 (0.60 – 2.30)
0.88 (0.44 – 1.76)
     Female*
1.00
1.00
1.00
1.00
DC Type




     Use ddx
1.36 (0.51 – 3.59)
1.83 (0.23 – 14.44)
1.39 (0.44 – 4.42)
1.15 (0.36 – 3.70)
     No ddx*
1.00
1.00
1.00
1.00
Number of Cases
342
392
398
390
Model Fit p-value
0.89
0.97
0.39
0.37

* = Reference

¥ = Significant at p < 0.05

Use ddx = DCs who performed differential diagnosis in their chiropractic examination and assessment of a patient's condition.

No ddx = DCs who only assessed their patients for "subluxation", that is, segmental spinal lesion/dysfunction.

Smith et al. Chiropractic & Osteopathy 2006 14:12   doi:10.1186/1746-1340-14-12