Research
Original Research
A Retrospective
Assessment of Network Care Using a Survey of Self-Rated Health,
Wellness and Quality of Life
Robert H. I. Blanks, Ph.D BIO, Tonya L. Schuster, Ph.D BIO,
Marnie Dobson, B.A. BIO
[Vol 1, No. 3. p 1]
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The
present study represents a retrospective characterization of
Network Care, a health care discipline within the subluxation-based
chiropractic model. Data were obtained from 156 Network offices
(49% practitioner participation rate) in the United States,
Canada, Australia, and Puerto Rico. Sociodemographic characterization
of 2818 respondents, representing a 67-71% response rate,
revealed a population predominately white, female, well-educated,
professional, or white collar workers. A second objective
of the study included the development and initial validation
of a new health survey instrument.The instrument was specifically
designed to assess wellness through patients’ self-rating
different health domains and overall quality of life at two "time" points: "presently" and
retrospectively, recalling their status before initiating
care ("before Network"). Statistical evaluation
employing Chronbach’s alpha and theta coefficients
derived from principle components factor analyses, indicated
a high level of internal reliability in regard to the survey
instrument, as well as stable reliability of the retrospective
recall method of self-rated perceptions of change as a function
of duration of care. Results indicated that patients reported
significant, positive perceived change (p < 0.000) in
all four domains of health, as well as overall quality of
life. Effect sizes for these difference scores were all large
(>0.9). Wellness was assessed by summing the scores for
the four health domains into a combined wellness scale, and
comparing this combined scale "presently" and "before
Network." The difference, or "wellness coefficient" spanning
a range of -1 to +1, with zero representing no change, showed
positive, progressive increases over the duration of care
intervals ranging from 1-3 months to over three years.The
evidence of improved health in the four domains (physical
state, mental/emotional state, stress evaluation, life enjoyment),
overall quality of life from a standardized index, and the "wellness
coefficient," suggests that Network Care is associated
with significant benefits.These benefits are evident from
as early as 1-3 months under care, and appear to show continuing
clinical improvements in the duration of care intervals studied,
with no indication of a maximum clinical benefit.These findings
are being further evaluated through longitudinal studies
of current populations under care in combination with investigation
of the neurophysiological mechanisms underlying its effects.
Key Words: Network spinal analysis, vertebral subluxation, chiropractic, self-rated outcomes assessment, wellness, overall quality of life.