Awareness of axial spondyloarthritis among chiropractors and osteopaths: findings from a UK Web-based survey

Yong, Cee Y., Hamilton, Jill, Benepal, Jatinder, Griffiths, Katie, Clark, Zoë E., Rush, Amanda, Sengupta, Raj, Martindale, Jane and Gaffney, Karl ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7863-9176 (2019) Awareness of axial spondyloarthritis among chiropractors and osteopaths: findings from a UK Web-based survey. Rheumatology Advances in Practice, 3 (2). ISSN 2514-1775

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Abstract

Objective: Chiropractors and osteopaths are important professional partners in the management of axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA). In view of recent advances in diagnosis and treatment, we sought to understand their current knowledge and working practices. Methods: A Web-based survey was advertised to chiropractors and osteopaths via the Royal College of Chiropractors and the Institute of Osteopathy. Results: Of 382 completed responses [237 chiropractors (62%) and 145 osteopaths (38%)], all were familiar with AS, but only 63 and 25% were familiar with the terms axSpA and non-radiographic axSpA, respectively. Seventy-seven per cent were confident with inflammatory back pain. Respondents routinely asked about IBD (91%), psoriasis (81%), acute anterior uveitis (49%), peripheral arthritis (71%), genitourinary/gut infection (56%), enthesitis (30%) and dactylitis (20%). Eighty-seven per cent were aware of the association between axSpA and HLA-B27. Only 29% recognized that axSpA was common in women. Forty per cent recommend an X-ray (pelvic in 80%) and, if normal, 27% would recommend MRI of the sacroiliac joints and whole spine. Forty-four per cent were aware of biologic therapies. Forty-three per cent were confident with the process of onward referral to rheumatology via the general practitioner (GP). The principal perceived barrier to onward referral was reluctance by the GP to accept their professional opinion. Conclusion: Overall knowledge of ankylosing spondylitis is good, but the term axSpA is poorly understood. Specific learning needs include gender preponderance, awareness of acute anterior uveitis and the availability of biological therapies. There is lack of confidence in the onward referral process to rheumatology via the GP.

Item Type:	Article
Additional Information:	© The Author(s) 2019. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the British Society for Rheumatology.
Faculty \ School:	Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > Norwich Medical School
Depositing User:	LivePure Connector
Date Deposited:	25 Aug 2020 00:07
Last Modified:	21 Oct 2022 01:28
URI:	https://ueaeprints.uea.ac.uk/id/eprint/76576
DOI:	10.1093/rap/rkz034

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