Recorded presentation

Karol A. Donaubauer, BA, DC and John S. Mosby, BA, BS, DC, MD. Community Outreach CLinic, Palmer College of Chiropractic, 1000 Brady Street, Davenport, IA 52803, (563) 326-1870, donaubauer_k@palmer.edu

The increased need for community health care for the underserved and at risk population is a major concern for the Public Health Department. More and more Americans are becoming unemployed, displaced, and/or homeless. These people are seeking Chiropractic care as an alternative to medical care for non-traumatic, neuromusculoskeletal physical complaints/illnesses. Palmer College of Chiropractic Outreach Clinic, Davenport, Iowa, has been serving as a “primary health care provider” (defined as a locally community based first point of contact health service1) for a percentage of the local underserved community. In this presentation, from a twenty question survey, the survey will provide demographics and information on health care needs and co-morbidities commonly seen in patients served by Palmer’s Community Outreach clinic. It will provide an insight to specific physical complaints/ illnesses treated by chiropractic care alone, or co-care with a medical doctor. The presentation will discuss: a) why a percentage of patients prefer to seek health care advice from their chiropractor first, before going to their medical doctor; b) whether the patient discusses their problem with family and/or friends, c) or, if a family member or friend has a physical ailment, does the patient refer them to their chiropractor. It will describe special health care needs for the underserved (including minorities) and at risk patient population. Also, a brief description of concurrent medical services available to these patients will be offered.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant (learner) will be able to

• recognize the efficacy of chiropractic care to the underserved community for their various health care complaints/illnesses;
• identify the health care needs of the underserved, both chiropractic and medical;
• list and evaluate their (underserved) attitudes towards chiropractic & medical care; and
• determine the need to improve cooperation between chiropractors and medical doctors for their patient's benefit.

Keywords: Underserved, Chiropractic

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.

Recorded presentation