Comparison of chiropractic student lexicon at two educational institutions: a cross-sectional survey.

objectiveTo evaluate student perceptions of chiropractic cultural authority, role in healthcare and use of terms at two chiropractic institutions, the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College (CMCC) and Parker University (Parker).

methodsA unique survey was developed and administered electronically to Year 2-3 students (n=387) at CMCC and as a paper-based surveys to trimester 4-5 (comparison with Year 2) and 6-7 (comparison with Year 3) (n=277) students at Parker. Responses were anonymous. The survey assessed the likelihood that students at both chiropractic programs would use eight different chiropractic terms. The survey also assessed their preference toward different options with respect to chiropractic's cultural authority.

resultsResponse rates were 36.2% and 78.1% at CMCC and Parker, respectively. Students at both institutions reported that chiropractic cultural authority was 'neuromusculoskeletal' (NMSK); however, CMCC students was more favorable toward 'musculoskeletal' (MSK) care compared to Parker students, whereas students at Parker favored 'wellness' (59.7%) compared to CMCC students (46.4%). Students at CMCC were more likely to use 'impingement' and 'joint dysfunction' whereas Parker students were more likely to use 'innate intelligence' and 'vertebral subluxation'. Both institutions were equally likely to use 'spinal lesion'.

conclusionThis survey found significant cultural authority differences between institutions. While this adds to the emerging need in the literature to evaluate the impact of curriculum and co-curriculum within chiropractic training programs on professional identity, explanations were not evaluated.