Table 2 Weighted relative frequency (95%CI) of participant responses to statements about chiropractic identity, setting, role and future

1. It is important for chiropractors to strongly uphold the traditional chiropractic theory that adjusting the spine corrects “dis-ease” [n = 2323]

18.7% (17.1–20.3%)

Traditional

26.4% (24.6–28.2%)

Traditional

22.9% (21.2–24.6%)

Progressive

19.4% (17.8–21.1%)

Progressive

12.7% (11.4–14.1%)

Progressive

2. Contemporary and evolving scientific evidence is more important than traditional chiropractic principles [n = 2377]

22.8% (21.2–24.5%)

Progressive

32.7% (30.9–34.7%)

Progressive

28.3% (26.5–30.1%)

Traditional

13.1% (11.8–14.5%)

Traditional

3.1% (2.4–3.8%)

Traditional

1. Inclusion of clinical chiropractic training internships and post-graduate positions in integrative medical settings are important to the progression of the chiropractic profession [n = 2384]

35% (33.1–36.9%)

Mainstream

35.2% (33.3–37.2%)

Mainstream

17.4% (16–19%)

Alternative

7.6% (6.6–8.7%)

Alternative

4.8% (4–5.7%)

Alternative

2. Chiropractic providers should maintain its primary health care (direct access) status [n = 2381]

56.9% (54.9–58.9%)

31.1% (29.3–33%)

10.7% (9.5–11.9%)

0.9% (0.6–1.4%)

0.4% (0.2–0.7%)

1. Chiropractic intervention should consist of chiropractic adjustment only [n = 2390]

5.8% (4.9–6.8%)

Alternative

10.1% (9–11.4%)

Alternative

10.9% (9.7–12.2%)

Mainstream

37.5% (35.6–39.4%)

Mainstream

35.7% (33.8–37.6%)

Mainstream

2. The chiropractic profession should expand its scope of practice to include prescription of medication, with appropriate advanced training [n = 2386]

9.8% (8.7–11%)

Mainstream

16.7% (15.3–18.3%)

Mainstream

17.2% (15.7–18.7%)

Alternative

20.9% (19.3–22.6%)

Alternative

35.4% (33.5–37.3%)

Alternative

1. It is appropriate to allow for chiropractic theories to be updated and enhanced through the application and integration of current scientific advancements [n = 2388]

49.5% (47.5–51.5%)

Mainstream

40.8% (38.8–42.8%)

Mainstream

7.5% (6.5–8.6%)

Alternative

1.5% (1.1–2.1%)

Alternative

0.7% (0.4–1.1%)

Alternative

2. It is appropriate for the chiropractic profession to distinguish and promote two separate subgroups of intervention. 1) Providing manual and other non-drug procedures 2) Providing subluxation correction only [n = 2389]

7.5% (6.5–8.6%)

Mainstream

19% (17.4–20.6%)

Mainstream

33.5% (31.6–35.4%)

Alternative

24.7% (23–26.4%)

Alternative

15.4% (14–16.9%)

Alternative