Table 4

Predictors of Inter-professional Referral Patterns

Predictors
Do you recommend initiating a formal referral with a MD?
OR (95% CI)
Have you referred a patient to an MD for evaluation or treatment?
OR (95% CI)
Has an MD obtained clinical info or advice via curbside consultation?
OR (95% CI)
Have you obtained clinical info or curbside consultation from an MD?
OR (95% CI)

Age (in years)




     26–35
0.99 (0.50 – 1.98)
0.65 (0.20 – 2.07)
0.95 (0.46 – 1.92)
1.35 (0.70 – 2.61)
     36–45
1.23 (0.64 – 2.35)
0.97 (0.30 – 3.13)
0.88 (0.45 – 1.70)
1.22 (0.66 – 2.26)
     46–55
0.86 (0.46 – 1.63)
0.72 (0.23 – 2.22)
1.15 (0.60 – 2.18)
1.56 (0.85 – 2.87)
     >55*
1.00
1.00
1.00
1.00
Sex




     Male
1.15 (0.69 – 1.91)
1.66 (0.77 – 3.61)
1.38 (0.82 – 2.34)
1.08 (0.67 – 1.72)
     Female*
1.00
1.00
1.00
1.00
DC Type




     Use ddx
4.65 (1.66 – 12.99)¥
4.51 (1.59 – 12.75)¥
2.08 (0.68 – 6.34)
2.54 (0.96 – 6.70)
     No ddx*
1.00
1.00
1.00
1.00
Number of Cases
365
399
400
397
Model Fit p-value
0.41
0.80
0.78
0.98

* = 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