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Australia’s Forefront Chiropractic News & Views ReportDecember 2019 | Free For ACA Members

ANIMAL CHIROPRACTIC

ACA GOVERNANCE REVIEW

PUBLIC ENGAGEMENTAn update on our strategy and activities to build the reputation of the profession

2 THE AUSTRALIAN CHIROPRACTOR DECEMBER 2019

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Sleepy’s work closely with SleepMaker and the ACA to develop new products with the best technology, providing customers the support that they need. With this in mind, our amazing new mattress collection, the ACA Agile, has been designed

for postural alignment, relaxation of the muscles and spinal support. The 5 zoned Miracoil Advance Spring system in the ACA Agile, provides head to toe spinal support and durability. With the latest technology, the ACA Agile will encourage a healthy night’s sleep for each individual body.

At Sleepy’s we are passionate and confident in our ability to provide your clients with the support they need to achieve a peaceful night’s sleep. Working closely with the ACA allows us to understand how important spinal alignment and weight distribution is on a mattress. You can be confident that your clients will be getting the right support from our ACA endorsed collection.

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C H I R O P R AC T I C C O L L E C T I O N

S L E E P Y ’ S E X C L U S I V E

3 DECEMBER 2019 THE AUSTRALIAN CHIROPRACTOR

THIS MONTH'S ISSUEDecember 2019

26DR MARK MCEWAN RECEIVES LIFE MEMBERSHIP 28ANIMAL CHIROPRACTIC

– IS IT LEGAL? 24

HANDLING SENSITIVE HEALTH INFORMATION ABOUT PATIENTS AND CUSTOMERS

SIMPLE STEPS TO IMPROVE YOUR COMPANY’S SAFETY CULTURE

30 ACA GOVERNANCE REVIEW 33

WIC GUIDE TO PREGNANCY, PARENTING AND PRACTICE 17

18 ENTHESIS, ENTHESITIS, ENTHESOPHYTES FORMATION AND SPONDYLARTHRITIS 22PUBLIC

ENGAGEMENT

RESULTS OF THE MEMBER SURVEY 14

STAFF PROFILE:ALANNA MELVIN 34

POSTURE BALANCE AND MOTION TOUR RECAP 16

VISIT YOUR LOCAL STORE: 1300 722 718 | VISIT US ONLINE: SLEEPYS.COM.AUAUBURN • CANBERRA • CARINDALE • CARINGBAH • CARSELDINE • FORTITUDE VALLEY • GEPPS CROSS

HOBART • HOMEBUSH • IPSWICH • KAWANA WATERS • KOTARA • LAUNCESTON • MACGREGOR• MAROOCHYDORE • MILE END OXLEY • PROSPECT • RICHMOND • ROCKHAMPTON • TOOWOOMBA • TOWNSVILLE • TUGGERAH • WEST GOSFORD

N E V E R U N D E R E S T I M A T E T H E P O W E R O F A G O O D N I G H T ’ S S L E E P

Sleepy’s - The Mattress Experts wish to provide customers with the opportunity of an amazing night’s sleep, through a quality Australian Made product and expert advice. Our team are trained to recognise factors that are potentially hindering sleep quality, based on individual circumstances, spinal alignment and sleeping preferences. As the only mattress retailer with a range of mattresses endorsed by the Australian Chiropractors Association (ACA) our aim is to provide a bedding solution to help change the lives of your client ’s.

Sleepy’s work closely with SleepMaker and the ACA to develop new products with the best technology, providing customers the support that they need. With this in mind, our amazing new mattress collection, the ACA Agile, has been designed

for postural alignment, relaxation of the muscles and spinal support. The 5 zoned Miracoil Advance Spring system in the ACA Agile, provides head to toe spinal support and durability. With the latest technology, the ACA Agile will encourage a healthy night’s sleep for each individual body.

At Sleepy’s we are passionate and confident in our ability to provide your clients with the support they need to achieve a peaceful night’s sleep. Working closely with the ACA allows us to understand how important spinal alignment and weight distribution is on a mattress. You can be confident that your clients will be getting the right support from our ACA endorsed collection.

ACA AGILE

C H I R O P R AC T I C C O L L E C T I O N

S L E E P Y ’ S E X C L U S I V E


This month’s publication marks the 50th edition of The Australian Chiropractor (TAC) that I’ve had the honour of working on. When I joined the ACA in June 2015, I was tasked with developing the TAC into a more modern, sophisticated and member centric publication and it’s been rewarding to see it develop over these last 50 editions. In reflecting on this small but personally significant milestone, I had a flip through these editions and thought I would share some of my highlight editions.

October 2015 – ‘Your New National Association’. While discussions about the proposed CAA Restructure had been bubbling away in the background for some time, this edition brought the concept forward as a national discussion. This edition served as a soft launch of our restructure campaign which of course resulted in the successful restructure in 2018. It was interesting what was first proposed in this cover story is being realised today through the new-look ACA.

September 2016 – ‘Chiropractic Around the World’. In light of international developments in the profession and lead up to World Spine Day, we sought to report on what was happening around the world of chiropractic. Brazil featured heavily in this piece as the Brazilian Chiropractic Association had recently won their fight to remain a distinct profession, followed by the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games in Rio. It was great interviewing Dr David Steven after he had returned from Rio, highlighting the significant presence of Australian chiropractors selected to work in the polyclinic.

August 2017 – ‘Keeping the Workforce Moving’. While we have always promoted our conference program and speakers within the TAC, this edition saw the addition of

highlighting the theme itself. Each August edition we seek to articulate the CPD Committee’s vision for our premier event. For this particular conference promotion, the ‘actors’ are actually the electrician, office worker and barista that they depict. The campaign was true to the theme of the conference as two of the three openly share about how they have benefited from chiropractic care.

July 2018 – ‘Chiro Can Help’. This edition was a special one as it launched the new look for the TAC, in conjunction with becoming the ACA. The adoption of a rawer (and more easily biodegradable) paper type, new format and the phasing out of printed classifieds, helped sophisticate and modernise the publication. This edition featured our coverage of the 2018 Spinal Health Week campaign, which highlighted some of the common symptoms of modern life that prompt people to visit a chiropractor. These campaigns involve many months of preparation so it’s always rewarding to be able to celebrate the success of a campaign.

June 2019 – ‘Support at Every Stage’. In seeking to articulate the value of membership throughout the various stages of your career, I got to interview four of our members: the ‘entering’ Dr Fraser McClymont from Toowomba; the ‘emerging’ Dr Olivia Gleeson from Perth; the ‘extending’ Dr Carlo Rinaudo; and the ‘exiting’ Dr Michelle Kotzman. This piece is one of the articles I am most proud of, as the four unique stories naturally wove together for an insight into how the ACA is here for members at every stage.

As the TAC has a rich history going back well before I joined the Association, I would love to hear about an edition or article that stood out to you, so please contact me at [email protected]

Editor'sNote

ARIEL TATE

Opinions or other material (including advertising) expressed within this publication are those of the contributor and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of nor the policy of the Australian Chiropractors Association (ACA) Limited, unless otherwise stated. Acceptance of advertising

material in no way implies that it has the endorsement of the ACA or the Editor of The Australian Chiropractor. The Editor is under no obligation to print any material submitted for publication

and has the discretion to accept or reject such material without obligation to give reason.

The Australian Chiropractor is the official publication of the Australian Chiropractors Association and is published 11 times per year. All literary matter in the magazine is covered by copyright and must not be reproduced without written

permission. Not for distribution outside the chiropractic profession.

©2019 Australian Chiropractors Association

Editor-in-Chief Dr Matthew Fisher

Managing Editor Ariel [email protected]

Writer/Editor Julie [email protected]

Writer/Editor Alanna [email protected]

Graphic Designer Matthew [email protected]

Advertising Coordinator Debbie [email protected]

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Australia’s Forefront Chiropractic News & Views Report

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Got something to share? If you have an article for submission or would like to write a

letter to the Editor, please contact us by the 10th of the month, prior to publication: [email protected]

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please contact us by the 15th of the month, prior to publication: [email protected]


he new ACA Board met for its first two-day meeting in Sydney in November. Despite the previous

Board’s expressed desire for diversity, the membership elected an all-male Board until the next elections in 2020. While I have full confidence in the talents and commitment of all our ACA Directors, we are collectively disappointed at the lack of female representation.

Overall, 57% of ACA members are male, but in the under 40 age group, 56% are female. It is imperative that young females are supported into leadership positions.

One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is to keep a sense of humour during times of difficulty. With this mind I had to laugh out loud when I read a Facebook comment about the photo of the new Board. It read:

“I could be wrong, but I believe diversity is an old wooden ship that was used in the civil war era.” (Ron Burgundy 2004)

With all jokes aside, we are fully aware that a Board functions better and makes better decisions when female Directors are represented. Following previous discussions with many senior female chiropractors, the Board moved to put in place a short-term and medium-term plan to engage and cultivate female presence on the Board.

The constitution allows the Board to appoint up to three additional Directors. Our finance and governance expert, Martin Baird is such an appointee. We are already having discussions with suitable women to fill the remaining two appointed positions, and we plan to have this in place by early next year. One is likely to be a non-chiropractor with a desired skill set to assist the Board. The other is likely to be a young female chiropractor who has demonstrated leadership qualities and is ready for mentoring.

In the medium-term we have put in place a target for a minimum of 30% female presence on the Board by 2023.

The Board next meet in Melbourne in February. I’m expecting our next Director photo will come without the Ron Burgundy comparisons.

WHERE TO NEXT WITH CHIROPRACTIC CARE FOR CHILDREN?This year has been particularly difficult for the ACA and profession as a whole. The Council of Australian Governments (COAG) Health Council last month referred the ‘Spinal Manipulation for Children Under 12’ issue to the Australian Health Ministers’ Advisory Committee (AHMAC). We see this as a small win for the ACA, but the issue is by no means over.

The win came about for two reasons. Firstly, the amazing support shown by Australian parents who take their children to see chiropractors, and secondly, the significant advocacy by the ACA on behalf of the profession. Both Matthew Fisher, CEO, and Bernard Rupasinghe, Policy and Public Affairs Manager, had face-to-face meetings with all State and Territory Health Ministers or senior advisors. There were also many follow-up emails and phone calls to maintain political engagement and of course our seat at the table on the Safer Care Victoria (SCV) Review Panel.

Through this process the ACA have established a greater political network than ever before. Importantly, our measured and consistent professionalism has contrasted with that of the Victorian Health Minister (VHM), and this has not gone by unnoticed.

The final SCV Report shows an amazingly high patient satisfaction, little to no evidence of harm and low evidence of efficacy; something the ACA knew from the start. For the Report to then recommend against the use of SMT for children under 12 years for certain conditions appears to be at odds with the evidence presented in the SCV Report. It is clear much more

T

FROM THE PRESIDENTDr Anthony Coxon

Top row (L-R): Dr Damian Kristof, Martin Baird (appointed), Dr Andrew Lawrence and Dr David Cahill

Bottom row (L-R): Dr Warren Genders, Dr Anthony Coxon and Dr John de Voy


advocacy will be needed through the AHMAC process.

By now you will have received the ‘Chiropractic Care for Children’ infographic. This includes facts about paediatric chiropractic care and the SCV results. It’s important that we do not ‘cherry pick’ the evidence and so the infographic includes both the positives and negatives. I would invite you to share the infographic with your patients. It can also be used more broadly for communication with other health professionals and the public at large.

Many chiropractors have asked why the ACA have not run to the media with the SCV Report or advertised on billboards in the VHMs electorate. Be assured that the results from SCV will be used productively with advocacy and ‘soft media’ for many years to come. If forced to do so, we will

certainly engage with ‘hard media’ and speak with confidence about paediatric care.

However, the long-term goal of increasing the utilisation of chiropractic care for all age groups is not enhanced by engaging in an ‘us versus them’ debate on mainstream media – especially in the current political environment and with the lack of high-level evidence. Surely, we have all had enough of the ‘Sunday Night’ tabloid journalism.

The SCV patient data is an important tool for building relationships, and this is where we need to continue our efforts. Grassroots education is needed to consistently build our reputation and cultural authority and we need to focus on building the research base, without over-reach or aggressive marketing.

I would invite you to listen to the ACA podcast I recently recorded with Lise Hestbaek, lead researcher in the world’s largest chiropractic and colic study, currently underway in Denmark. Lise explained that in Denmark they are not permitted to do any advertising, yet 25% of children under the age of one year old see a chiropractor. Ultimately, it’s all about building relationships, respecting the research and getting on with quietly doing a great job. A lesson for us all.

We are already having discussions with suitable women to fill the remaining two appointed positions, and we plan to have this in place by early next year. One is likely to be a non-chiropractor with a desired skill set to assist the Board. THE OTHER IS LIKELY TO BE A YOUNG FEMALE CHIROPRACTOR WHO HAS DEMONSTRATED LEADERSHIP QUALITIES AND IS READY FOR MENTORING.


FROM THE CEODr Matthew Fisher

ll Australian Health Ministers met on 1 November 2019 to follow up on their March

2019 meeting outcome to discuss options for a nationally consistent approach to the regulation of spinal manipulation on children. At the March meeting, Health Ministers noted community concerns about the potentially unsafe spinal manipulation on children performed by chiropractors and other health professionals and agreed that public protection was paramount in resolving this issue.

At the November meeting, Health Ministers considered the independent review commissioned by the Victorian Minister for Health, undertaken by Safer Care Victoria (SCV) regarding the effectiveness and safety of chiropractic spinal manipulation of children under 12 years for any condition or symptom.

Ministers considered a number of recommendations, including increasing penalties for advertising offences under the Health Practitioner Regulation National Law Act 2009, where a registered practitioner claims benefits of spinal manipulation in children that have no evidence base. Ministers agreed to refer the findings and recommendations of this review to the Australian Health Ministers’ Advisory Council (AHMAC) for further consideration and next steps.

AHMAC is the advisory and support body to the COAG Health Council. It operates to deliver health services more efficiently through a coordinated or joint approach on matters of mutual interest. The AHMAC is responsible for providing effective and efficient support to the COAG Health Council by:• advising on strategic issues relating

to the coordination of health services across the nation and, as applicable, with New Zealand; and

• operating as a national forum for planning, information sharing and innovation.

A It is likely that the Health Services Principal Committee (HSPC) will have carriage for this matter. It has an ongoing role to advise AHMAC on health services reform requiring national collaboration. In addition, the Committee promotes national population health initiatives while collaborating to improve key interfaces between national state and territory funding and management of services, particularly primary/acute hospital interface, care of older persons and the public/private interface. HSPC also works to improve health system capability (including digital health, performance measures and national health information strategy) as well as advising on workforce planning and reform arising from the work of the National Nursing and Midwifery Education Advisory Network (NNMEAN), the National Medical Training Advisory Network (NMTAN) and the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). This is likely as the matters raised in the SCV Review may impact more broadly on the National Registration and Accreditation Scheme which regulates the health professions.

In our view, referral to AHMAC may mean that the issue receives greater consideration of the implications raised with regards to acceptable levels of harm and acceptable levels of evidence as it may then be applied in National law and uniformly applied to all professions.

In short the issue has not been concluded and many considerations including the behaviour of the profession in response to the review and importantly, how the regulators respond to AHMAC, will be important in determining the future. The interim restriction of the CBA still holds.

The public responses indicated very strong consumer satisfaction. Of all respondents, 99.7% (21,750) reported a positive experience with the chiropractic care of their children. The

overwhelming majority of parents/guardians reported that chiropractic spinal care helped their child, with 98% (21,474) indicating that their child improved after treatment. It was clear that parents/guardians appreciated the time their child’s chiropractor took to listen to their child’s symptoms and to engage with them and their child. A sentiment that was strongly expressed was the right of a parent/guardian to choose their child’s care.

In summary, the review of the literature revealed that the potential risk of harm from spinal manipulation in children was rare and, when it did occur, was typically minor in severity. However, as reported by Cochrane, “consistent with the findings of other systematic reviews, due to the paucity of studies and the lack of reported information on the specific treatment techniques employed, it is difficult to draw conclusions about the safety and effectiveness of spinal manipulation in children.”

Some observations from this process that commenced in February 2019 are:• the chiropractic profession is

poorly understood except by those who value the care provided;

• this extensive review identified very little evidence of patient harm occurring in Australia;

• a major finding of this review is that the evidence base for spinal manipulation in children is poor; and

• SCV sought to make recommendations that would both respect a parent’s or guardian’s right to choose appropriate healthcare options for their child while ensuring that children, particularly the very young who are less able to communicate adverse effects, are safe.

So what is the ACA asking of the profession? Ensure that your professional behaviour, particularly with regards to advertising or claims of


effectiveness of care, is in accordance with standards and guidelines. This is particularly important for general wellness and conditions as highlighted in the SCV report. The ACA encourages the profession not to overstate the outcome of COAG and be mindful that there is more work to be done and continue to act with integrity and professionalism to ensure that chiropractic care does not get consigned as low value healthcare. Additionally, ensure that you:• have a good understanding of the

requirements of the Chiropractic Board of Australia Code of Conduct and AHPRA advertising standards;

• understand good record keeping and informed consent including the documentation of expressed outcome of care;

• understand what current best practice is with regards to care; and

• continue to act with integrity and professionalism to ensure that chiropractic care does not get consigned as low value healthcare.

Low value healthcare, according to the NHMRC Partnership Centre is the delivery of care or services that do not benefit, or might even harm, patients. The consequence of waste in healthcare is not just harm to patients who receive unnecessary care but also the opportunity cost to patients who may fail to receive the necessary care.

With regards to advertising, section 133 of the Health Practitioner Regulation National Law states that:(1) A person must not advertise a

regulated health service, or a business that provides a regulated health service, in a way that--

(a) is false, misleading or deceptive or is likely to be misleading or deceptive; or

(b) offers a gift, discount or other inducement to attract a person to use the service or the business, unless the advertisement also states the terms and conditions of the offer; or

(c) uses testimonials or purported testimonials about the service or business; or

(d) creates an unreasonable expectation of beneficial treatment; or

(e) directly or indirectly encourages

the indiscriminate or unnecessary use of regulated health services.

For the reasons above, you cannot simply separate potential harms and evidence. The absence of one does not validate the other. Stay out of the low value bucket and reinforce the requirement for informed consent and patient-centred care.

SPINIFEX SYMPOSIUM AND NETWORKI was fortunate to attend the formation of a new Rural Health and Medical Research Network (RHMRN) in Alice Springs - the Spinifex Network, which aims to address the health inequities within Australia, resulting from disparities of opportunity and resourcing linked to the defining human spatial geography of this nation. The Spinifex Network will provide much-needed practical infrastructure for a national research partnership focused on rural health and medical research to deliver health equity for rural Australians. The Spinifex Network will be enabled through a partnership, collaboration and engagement model addressing critical research questions relevant to rural Australia. The key priorities include: • Improving access to healthcare

that meets the needs of rural communities, through technology, workforce and new models of care.

• Developing a health driven future for sustainable rural communities

by responding to the unique health challenges of place, including identifying, measuring and responding to place-based determinants such as economic, ecological, social and cultural factors; community priorities and future aspirations; health inequity and by working with adjacent sectors (e.g. agriculture, education, social services) to disrupt disadvantage.

It is well-documented that different models of support are required to deliver healthcare in regional, rural and remote locations: delivery challenges include geographic spread, low population density, limited infrastructure and higher costs for the provision of a full suite of medical and healthcare support.

The Spinifex Network was endorsed by participants as an important coalition to unite rural voices across Australia, to pursue new and creative approaches to place-based health and medical research in order to address the health inequities experienced by rural communities. It takes a team to solve healthcare’s complex problems. The Spinifex Network will provide much-needed practical infrastructure for national collaborations in a research sector that has historically been challenged by dispersed practitioners, lack of critical integrated mass and underfunding.


Post of the Month

@owrightHighly recommend listening to these 2 podcasts about concussions if you have

suffered from one or have friends, family and children playing sport. You can’t wrap yourself in cotton wool but you can be informed about what your dealing with and the recovery process of concussion or multiple concussions. I wish I listened to

information like this many years ago and now that it’s out there or starting to get out there, I feel more comfortable to keep going big waves and pushing my limits. Really

worth it! Thanks @wsl for putting me in contact with the best people in this field.

here is a commonly held belief that the more effort you put into something, the

more you will get out of it. This applies to membership of any group, including the ACA.

Attending the recent ACA Conference in Melbourne involves considerable effort when you live and practice in rural WA, but it was truly worthwhile. I commend the ACA on a line-up of speakers who were knowledgeable, skilled presenters

and relevant to modern day chiropractic practice. It was uplifting to see Dr Genevieve Keating awarded the John A Sweaney AM Chiropractor of the Year Award, for her herculean efforts in representing our profession on the Safer Care Victoria panel.

Whilst the elected members of the ACA Board are skilled and have considerable experience, what was disturbing was walking away from the Annual General Meeting knowing the ACA Board

for the next year did not realise its intentions of having diversity reflective of its members.

I am aware there is robust discussion going on within the organisation and the wider membership regarding this undesirable situation.

Of the 13 nominees, five were female and several ticked the skills-based requirement of the Board. Dr Alison Bennett has been an excellent and involved Board member for three and a half years, so it was sad to see her

not re-elected.I urge all members to stay

engaged in ongoing discussions regarding diversity on the Board. I encourage my fellow female colleagues to join the ACA Women in Chiropractic (WIC) Facebook group to stay connected and help support each other, particularly as we nurture and support rising leaders from within.

DR ESYLTT GRAHAM, WA

TLETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Regular Section

am not sure if you remember me from the Transition to Practice seminar in WA, but I have

been using your words of advice about personalised ways to thank people and it is phenomenal the response I have been receiving.

Recently, we had someone generously sponsor us with free clinical equipment and apart from getting the students to send

an email to thank the sponsor, we sent him a giant card with all our hand-written thanks.

He has since extended his sponsorship to all graduating chiropractors at Murdoch University Chiropractic Clinic.

Your advice was greatly influential to us and we really appreciated your pearls of wisdom.

From my success, I put

a resume together for a job using your template/advice and I received an invitation for an interview an hour after submitting it.

I am also going to employ your technique of sending a thank you card after my interview to keep the impression going.

I hope our paths cross again in the future.

RILEY SWART, WA

Written to Mark Werman, Managing Director of Wentworth Advantage (facilitators of the ACA HR Service) and one of the presenters at the Transition to Practice workshops.

I


Celebrating 40 years in Chiropractic

FNQ SEMINAR WEEKEND

Dr Howard Frye was the first chiropractor to set up practice in the quiet beach town of Noosa. He started his career as an accountant in South Africa until he discovered chiropractic and went onto complete his chiropractic degree at Palmer College, graduating in 1978. It was his friend Mel Skilton who encouraged him to try out the lifestyle on the Sunshine Coast and for 40 years he hasn’t looked

On 9-10 November, chiropractors and students in Far North Queensland attended our first Townsville seminar. The weekend included a student panel discussion on confidence, communication and curly questions, an 8.5 FLA hour seminar on assessing and caring for infants and pregnant woman with Dr Matthew Doyle and the Far North Queensland

NORTHERN NEWSQLD and NT

On Tuesday 29 October, the Northern Region Committee (NRC) met via teleconference for their last meeting of the year. The NRC welcomed new Committee member Dr Anita Marcinkowksi from the NT, to her first meeting. The meeting outcomes were as follows:• quarterly review and

oversight of the Northern Region Action Plan;

• presentation to the Committee of the National Member Engagement Strategy;

• initial discussions regarding 2020 member engagement activity and events and consideration of the

Northern Region budget to support this activity;

• review of recent advocacy and stakeholder engagement, including meeting with QLD Health and Sleepy’s events;

• upcoming end of year event finalisation; and

• consideration and feedback on items received from ACA Board.

Saturday 18 January is the next Committee meeting and the annual face-to-face Northern Region planning day.

If you have any ideas or suggestion for the Committee to consider please contact Linda on [email protected]

NORTHERN REGION COMMITTEE MEETINGend of year social.

It was a pleasure to put names to faces and to come together in such a great spirit of collegiality. The hospitality of local members was appreciated greatly! We look forward to making a Far North Queensland seminar weekend a regular event on the Association calendar.

back. From being the first

chiropractor in town to now having over 25 chiropractors in and around Noosa, Dr Frye has grown his clinic from a solo practice to a multidisciplinary team.

“There were no chiropractors in Noosa until I came along and since most tourists were from Melbourne, they were already educated about chiropractic and

appreciated seeing a chiro on their holidays. I have long term paitents who still visit me,” Dr Frye said.

“Through these years I have enjoyed building wonderful relationships with patients and seeing multiple generations receive the benefits of chiropractic care. We are in the people business not just the spine business. Chiropractic is a lifestyle profession for me and I have maintained a work/life balance by tranquillity through simplicity - simply walking the dogs along the beach and enjoying the vista.”

As a long-standing member of ACA, Dr Frye says,

“Going back through all its incarnations I have always supported the profession. I highly recommend the ACA Conferences as it is a chance to connect with colleagues from far and wide.”

After many years of service,

Dr Frye is now in a transition stage of his career where he will continue seeing patients at a lesser pace while enjoying the Noosa lifestyle.

“The aim is to transition from practice over a span of seven years. It is important for me to find the right associate who shares a similar philosophy and work ethic to ensure my paitents will continue to be well cared for. CQU were most helpful in assisting me with this process and I compliment them on their high standard of graduates.”

Reflecting on his career, Dr Frye added, “I feel there is collective wisdom in retired chiropractors that should be tapped into and shared in some way. I may be in transition, but I will always be a chiropractor.”

Congratulations to Dr Frye 40 years in practice!


Leading the way for Chiropractic in Tasmania Hear from Dr Scott Springer, Regional Committee Member, about his chiropractic journey and words of wisdom that stem from his vast experience as a practitioner:

“I initially became interested in healthcare after being injured at a sports camp at the age of 15. I went from being an arrogant young athlete to a grumpy old man overnight. After making the rounds to many doctors, I finally found Dr George Stevens. Dr Stevens was able to check my spine and adjust me as required in a caring and compassionate fashion and I was relieved significantly in the first session. My life was forever changed.

After graduating from Palmer College in the mid 80s I emigrated to Australia to spend a couple years here and 30 years later I am still living the dream in a sunburnt

FREE CPD TRIAL – A SUCCESS! Recently, specialist medical group Precision Group, provided a free

SOUTHERN STARVIC, SA and TAS

country. I spent a couple of decades in rural South Australia and have lived on Tasmania’s North West Coast for the past 15 years. In that time, I have served on a number of committees in the Association and am happy to have met many lifelong friends who are colleagues. I love being a chiropractor and I encourage everyone to stay involved with our profession, enjoy your continuing education and the camaraderie of your peers, serve humanity with all your heart and be the best chiropractor you can be.

A friend of mine runs SA Skydiving and has a poster that says, ‘your mind is like a parachute, it only works when its open.’ Let’s all accept responsibility to keep our minds open, remain optimistic and continue to work for the best possible outcome for our profession and the public we serve.”

CPD event in Fitzroy North, Melbourne. This was a trial event

to see whether it would be a good fit within our CPD program. Given its success we are now looking to broaden its availability across the Southern Region.

Over 50 chiropractors attended the event, which featured speakers Prof Richard Bittar and Dr Mohammed Awad (neurosurgeons), Dr Richard Sullivan (pain specialist) and Mr Yianni Zaparas (personal injury lawyer).

Dr Sullivan spoke of the latest advances in pain management, issues associated with medication and indication for moving from conservative care to medical pain management strategies. Dr Awad spoke to the latest

approaches to neurosurgery for spinal cases, the indication for each approach and the indication for referral or a second opinion. Prof Bittar spoke about the need for collaborative approach to patient care and common causes of failed back surgery. Finally, Mr Zaparas spoke to the critical elements of writing a medical report, explaining the important information to give lawyers the best understanding of the patient’s condition.

The presentations were well received and the level of engagement in the room was palpable, with unanimous expressions of interest in more events.


A NOTE FROM THE EASTERN REGIONAL COMMITTEE AND MANAGER

EVIDENCE INFORMED CHIROPRACTIC CARE OF THE INFANT SEMINAR

You asked, we listened! We have our first Eastern Region rural seminar for 2020 being held in Ballina on 19 January 2020.

Understand the research and become more confident, comfortable and certain when assessing infants in your practice. Presented by Dr Matthew Doyle, this 4-hour

FLA approved seminar will cover the latest research on safety and evidence for paediatric chiropractic care, key history questions and core adjusting techniques, so that you have hands on training you can utilise straight away. For further information visit chiro.org.au/ballina-seminar

EASTERN ENQUIRERNSW and ACT

Final Year Students – Now is the time to upgrade your ACA MembershipCongratulations to our final year students, the end is in sight! Don’t forget to upgrade your ACA Student Membership to First Year Practitioner before the end of the year. You can still upgrade your membership even if you haven’t found employment or completed your AHPRA registration. This will just ensure we have your most updated information, including updated email and postal addresses.

You will have nothing to pay until June 2020, that’s your first

six months as a practitioner free! For more information be sure to download your graduate toolkit from

chiropractors.asn.au/graduate-toolkit and to complete the upgrade form, visit chiro.org.au/join and select ‘Upgrade.’

If circumstances have changed and you are no longer graduating this year, please email [email protected] to update your information.

On behalf of the Eastern Regional Committee I would like to take this opportunity to wish all our members and their families a wonderful and

safe Christmas and New Year. I look forward to another great year supporting our Eastern Regional Members.

Anthony FongAntoinette Kopke

Bernadette RedfernBradley PotterBridget Lane

Caroline RisbyCayle Beggs

Cherie Haigh

Claire BallingerDamian TreaceyDan Ter BraakEmma Horner

Heidi Mueller AhsmannHelen LeeksJacob MeadJane Barlow

Jay SmythJohn DamonJulian FosterKara Hayes

Kerry FarrellKirsten O’Brien

Kurt GereckeMichael Rix

Rebecca NashRegan Osborne

Renee Fleming-WhiteReo Miyoshi

Richard BurgessSamuel FloreaniSapaia Salatielu

WELCOME TO OUR NEW MEMBERS


WESTERN WEEKLYWA

As we prepare to head into the festive season, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on what has certainly been a challenging year for the profession and the Association. I would like to thank members in WA for their continued support of the profession. Whether it was by attending

ACA events, volunteering your time on ACA committees, or serving your local community and spreading the good word of chiropractic, we thank you. I encourage members to participate in this year’s Giving Back Campaign within your clinics to continue to support those in need.

The Western Regional Committee met on 12 November to commence planning for 2020. Currently on the committee agenda:• Local CPD and events.• Student paediatrics event:

local talent will be utilised to support the development of this seminar. Please

contact [email protected] if you would be willing to assist.

• Metro and regional events: tailored events in the greater Perth metro, as well as two regional locations in Broome and Geraldton.

• Continued stakeholder engagement.

Get to know Regional Committee Member Dr Erin McDermott

REGIONAL MANAGER’S MESSAGE WESTERN REGIONAL COMMITTEE UPDATE

When and why did you become a chiropractor?I received my first adjustment at 17 when I was halfway through my first year of university and I loved it. I wanted to change courses but there were no chiropractic degrees in Scotland and my parents weren’t keen on me moving away. I finished my degree and moved to Western Australia in 2009.

In 2013 after teaching science and biology for seven years, I moved from Broome to Perth to begin my chiropractic studies at Murdoch, having a long-distance relationship with my partner for five years.

What is it like being a practitioner in this remote area?Broome is a very unique place to live and practice. Our challenges are very different from a metropolitan clinic. Our population fluctuates between the quiet wet season to almost tripling in the busy dry season. We can lose up to 30% of our patients annually due

team of WA chiropractors.

What would you like to accomplish on the Committee?One reason for joining the Committee was to address the concerns of rural practitioners. Access to CPD is a big issue as we have more barriers than the metropolitan chiropractor. Programs like the Health

Workforce Scholarship Program are great for this and has enabled me to further my studies with the Chiropaeds Diplomate program.

Closing the gap with Aboriginal health is also something I feel passionately about and in the future I would like to see more chiropractors on staff in Aboriginal medical centres.

to the transient nature of our demographic. We also care for tourists and people from more remote areas of the Kimberley so scheduling and continuation of care is not always possible.

However, it gives me a great work life balance allowing me to spend my weekends with my husband and daughter.

Why did you choose to nominate for the Western Regional Committee?While I was at Murdoch I was heavily involved in the student organisations there. I was head delegate for the Murdoch WCCS branch, traveling to the AGM in Atlanta in 2015 and was the student representative for the ACA in 2017. This early exposure to the ACA showed me how the average chiropractor can make a difference to the profession by being involved in the decision-making conversations at an organisational level. When I initially applied, I didn’t think I would be successful as it was my first year out, but I was pleasantly surprised to be joining a great


LEADERSHIP MEMBER FEEDBACK

he results of our 2019 member survey are in. Across the board, member satisfaction is up from

2018, highlighting the membership’s support for the strategy and activities of the Association.

Our annual member survey is the primary way of receiving feedback from members and benchmarking how our Association is performing, year on year. Not only does the survey provide valuable quantitative data for us to use, but it also allows members to provide comments, questions and concerns they might have.

This year we had 557 respondents, down from the previous two years, but still representing almost a quarter of paying members. Respondents were largely representative of the broader membership, whether by gender or state/territory. The questions in the survey were framed around the six pillars of our Strategic Plan 2018-23.

Overall satisfaction of membership has grown, with 85% of members being either ‘very satisfied’ or ‘somewhat satisfied’, up from 78% in 2018. Breaking this down further, the Eastern and Western Regions are slightly more satisfied at 87%, compared to the Northern and Southern Regions at 84%.

Satisfaction on the direction of the ACA has increased slightly to 83%, up from 80% in 2018. Satisfaction with ACA’s direction is highest amongst Builders (those born before 1946),

T followed by Generation Y (born 1980-1994), Generation Z (born 1995-2009), Generation X (born 1965-1979) and Baby Boomers (1946-1964).

In looking at ACA’s services, 94% of members indicated that these meet their needs and 82% rate them as high quality, up from 78% in 2018. Satisfaction of ACA’s services was consistent across the board, whether by state/territory, gender or working role.

75% of members are satisfied with the CPD offered by ACA, including conferences, webinars and publications, up from 70% in 2018. ACA’s role with CPD will continue to evolve with the changing CPD guidelines.

Overall satisfaction with communications remains the highest metric, with 90% of members being either ‘very satisfied’ or ‘somewhat satisfied’, up from 88% in 2018. One of the largest increases was the satisfaction of local news and updates which rose from 62% in 2018 to 76% in 2019. One year on from our rebranding, the satisfaction has grown from 64% in 2018 to 73% in 2019.

While the satisfaction of ACA’s representation of the profession grew to 78%, up from 72% in 2018, there was a slight growth in dissatisfaction. This year we added a question about ACA’s representation with the Safer Care Victoria Review and 80% of members were satisfied, with 48% being ‘very satisfied’ and 32% ‘somewhat satisfied’.

The results on ACA’s Public

Engagement campaigns remain very similar to last year, with 71% satisfaction compared to 70% in 2018. The feedback on this area shows a polarisation of views within the membership, with most comments on the topics or theme covered. Several members expressed being too busy to participate in campaigns. Other common themes included thoughts on the materials provided, a desire for more advertising spend and questions about the effectiveness of the campaigns.

As ACA continues to lead the way as the largest funder of chiropractic research in Australia, 81% of members are satisfied with our commitment to research and its translation into practice. This is up substantially from 71% in 2018.

58% of members rated highly the ACA’s value for money, with 23% as ‘excellent’ and 35% as ‘above average’. This is up from 2018 when 44% of members rated our value for money highly.

When given the opportunity to provide general comments, questions and concerns, the most common responses related to advocacy and the Safer Care Victoria Review. There were plenty of comments and concerns relating to membership, public relations and member services. Members also reiterated their desire for unity in the profession and for growing the Association’s membership.

A Net Promoter Score (NPS) sums up how likely a member is to recommend the ACA to a friend or colleague. Scores range from ‘100’ to ‘-100’, with ‘0’ as neutral. We first reported a NPS of 10 in 2018 and this has more than doubled to 21 in 2019, showing the overall positive sentiment members have for the Association.

SleepMaker kindly donated a queen size Forme Luxury mattress, valued at $4,999 and Dr Matt Fernandez was announced as the lucky winner at the Association Dinner during the ACA Conference. Thank you to SleepMaker and congratulations Dr Fernandez on winning this prize!

Thank you to all those who participated in the survey, providing us with valuable insights into the issues and concerns of members.

Results of the Member SurveyARIEL TATE


MEMBER FEEDBACK LEADERSHIP

Overall Satisfaction

20192018

85% 39% Very Satisfied46% Somewhat Satisfied


Direction of the ACA

20192018



Very Satisfied Somewhat Satisfied Neither Satisfied or Dissatisfied Somewhat Dissatisfied Very Dissatisfied

CPD Offered

20192018




Communications

20192018



20192018




Representation of the Profession



20192018




Public Engagement Campaigns

Commitment to Research

20192018




Overall, how would you rate the value for money of your membership?

Not at all 1%

Not so well 5%

Somewhat well 25%

Very well 50%

Extremely well 19%

Poor 2%

Below Average 6%

Average 34%

Above Average 35%

Excellent 23%

Overall, how well do our services meet your needs?

Poor 2%

Below Average 6%

Average 34%

Above Average 35%

Excellent 23%

Overall, how would you rate the ACA’s level of customer service?

Not at all professional 0%

Not so professional 1%

Somewhat professional 10%

Very professional 53%

Extremely professional 36%

Not at all professional 0%

Not so professional 1%

Somewhat professional 10%

Very professional 53%

Extremely professional 36%

Overall, how would you rate the quality of our services?

Very low quality 1%

Low quality 2%

Neither high nor low quality 15%

High quality 59%

Very high quality 23%

Very low quality 1%

Low quality 2%

Neither high nor low quality 15%

High quality 59%

Very high quality 23%

Not at all 1%

Not so well 5%

Somewhat well 25%

Very well 50%

Extremely well 19%


he highly anticipated Posture, Balance and Motion Tour with Dr Steven Weiniger* was

held during November and saw a great number of attendees across three cities learn a step-by-step postural assessment and rehabilitation program.

The event was held over three weekends, travelling to Sydney, Adelaide and the Gold Coast where the seminar received great positive feedback from attendees who thoroughly enjoyed the hands-on, practical aspect of it.

The seminar saw attendees learn a complete program to incorporate posture rehab and treat injury and chronic pain, while promoting sports performance, wellness and active ageing. Starting off, Dr Weiniger began with the facts and figures about the impact that sedentary behaviour has on the average person, including

T increased risk of chronic diseases. The event also covered Strong Posture Protocols and how to implement these into practice.

The core of the day was about providing delegates with the skills to help patients to retrain themselves and how to move and behave in order to improve their own posture. This included practical exercises by getting attendees up and moving early on, demonstrating how balancing can determine a patient’s likely risk of falling and how to take posture pictures to help patients understand their development and progress.

Along with the many hands-on technique demonstrations, exercise balls were also a main feature during the two-day event, where attendees were taught how to demonstrate to their patient the correct way to sit and stretch using the ball, improving balance and posture. The point of these exercises is to be simple yet

effective enough for patients to be able to practise these at home, to continue their posture rehab.

By giving attendees the confidence and skills to be able to implement these exercises on their own, practitioners felt they could begin to use these resources when they returned to practice on Monday. Helping patients learn to retrain the way they move and behave, gives them the tools to continue the work of chiropractic care outside the clinic and apply rehab protocols to their everyday lives.

ACA looks forward to hosting future events with Dr Weiniger and thanks him for traveling all the way from Georgia, USA to deliver a great seminar. Thank you to all the members who attended the event and we look forward to hosting more great events in the coming year.

*Registered overseas

Posture Balance and Motion Tour Recap

ALANNA MELVIN

LEADERSHIP EVENTS


INTEREST GROUPS LEADERSHIP

CA’s Women in Chiropractic (WIC) group are committed to helping women in all

stages of their career, from student to retirement and everything in between. For many women, this can include taking time out of practice to raise a family or become carers. To cater to this need, the WIC Committee have redeveloped the practical and resourceful WIC Guide to Pregnancy, Parenting and Practice.

The guide was first developed in 2015 by the WIC committee at the time, as they were concerned about the predicament that many women face when they return from extended leave and resume practice.

“Whilst some male practitioners may consider stepping away from practice for parenting, it is mostly the female practitioner who bears the load of mothering and nurturing. Stepping into parenthood can be an overwhelming experience and you can experience an internal tug-of-war between your dedication to chiropractic and the desire to enjoy time with your children,” newly appointed Chair of WIC Committee, Dr Paula Stacey-Thomas said.

WIC hopes to support women through this document by providing

the information practitioners will need to know before they take parental leave, especially with regards to registration requirements, as well as understanding the different options upon returning to practice. It also contains information about parental leave rights, the impact leave has on PI Insurance, and creating flexibility during pregnancy and as a mother.

“Chiropractic is a unique preofession in that it is rarely a simple employee, nine-to-five workplace model. From running a small business to employing associates, managing patient loads to maintaining registration requirements, whilst navigating pregnancy and parenting, any support or information helps.”

This practical guide includes a detailed contents page so members can find the information relevant to their situation at the time, however as circumstances change it is recommended that it be read in its entirety. With information and resources covering parental leave under the Australian Law, chiropractic registration and information on ACA membership it’s important to understand these different aspects during your leave period.

Although the guide is pertinent to

A

female chiropractors when planning and managing their pregnancy and possible return to work, Dr Stacey-Thomas believes both male and female chiropractors who plan to start a family should read the document.

“I also recommend any chiropractors who are employers to read it, as it provides essential background information should one of their associates want to step away from practice for parenthood. Sensitive and clever management helps all stakeholders including the clinic owner, the associate and their patients.”

The guide also addresses and provides information on difficult topics that can affect many women and families, including pregnancy loss and post-natal depression, in a compassionate and understanding manner, for what is no doubt a trying time for families.

“I find this a sensitively prepared guide and touches on the emotional challenges involved. Pregnancy and parenthood rarely go to plan and we need to make sure we can look after ourselves so that we are intact to be able to care for our children and patients. More often than not, having some sort of plan helps in so many ways, even if it does not go exactly the way you think it might, the fact you have thought ahead can lessen some heartache and stress.”

One of the unique aspects of the guide is the stories from real female chiropractors who have been through the different aspects of pregnancy and practice. Whether it is how to work while pregnant, how to handle an unexpected loss or what to do with PI Insurance, having the shared stories and experience of peers can help make the journey feel possible.

Using the guide can help female chiropractors find balance between their professional and personal lives. Although the guide cannot provide all the answers, the detailed resources page at the end of the document lists organisations and support groups who can help with specific questions or provide tailored information.

All future and current parents, guardians and carers should read this valuable resource. Download the Guide to Pregnancy, Parenting and Practice at chiropractors.asn.au/pregnancy-guide.

WIC Guide to Pregnancy, Parenting and Practice

ALANNA MELVIN


PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT CAMPAIGNS

ARIEL TATE

PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT


CAMPAIGNS PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT

t is often said that ‘all publicity is good publicity, as long as they spell your name right.’ While there has been no shortage of publicity on chiropractic this year,

it is as apparent as ever that many Australians simply don’t understand the profession.

Our 2017 consumer survey indicated that around two-thirds of Australians have never visited a chiropractor. While there are some negative perceptions held by this portion of the population, the data shows that these perceptions generally disappear once someone visits a chiropractor for the first time.

Public Engagement is one of the six pillars of our Strategic Plan 2018-23, with the aim of promoting neuromusculoskeletal and other positive health behaviours by Australians through awareness,

participation and education. Our Public Engagement (PE)

Committee provides guidance and recommendations to the Board, working with the marketing and communications staff who execute our campaigns and health initiatives. With Dr Mario Stefano stepping down after serving as Chair of the PE Committee for the past two years, the ACA Board have appointed Dr Ashely Dent to take over this important role.

“The launch of the ‘Consider a Chiro’ campaign next year will be monumental for building the reputation of the profession,” says Dr Dent.

“I am honoured to be appointed Chair, and look forward to working alongside the ACA staff and Committee members on the various public engagement activities of the ACA. We are looking at further developing campaign metrics to provide more insights to members.”

I


PUBLIC RELATIONSMost members would be in agreement that the profession would benefit from increased public relations. Our 2019 member survey again highlighted the desire members have for more positive media, particularly when negative media pervades.

Public relations is no simple thing. In the end, the media is generally driven by the need to ‘sell papers’ with stories of a sensationalised nature. Although we send out several positive media releases throughout the year, whether for a campaign or in highlighting new research, the media very rarely run with these. The positive media we do experience is usually the result of being asked to participate in stories driven by media outlets.

Our interactions with the media are either proactive or reactive. In addition to the positive media we put out, we do from time-to-time respond to the negative press the profession experiences. When the media’s attention is on the profession, we are often asked by members why we aren’t responding?

Deciding when and how to respond to the media is guided by our Issues, Mitigation and Response Manual developed by public relations company OPR. This document provides the framework for making informed decisions, to avoid risk and best protect the reputation of the profession.

During a ‘media storm’ members can rest assured that the Association is making informed decisions on how to respond, based on expert advice, even when it may not make sense.

CONSIDER A CHIRO Now that the very public Safer Care Victoria (SCV) Review has concluded, ACA’s public relations strategy can become much more proactive than reactive. With the implementation of OPR’s three to five year framework for public engagement, 2020 will be a defining year for our public campaigns.

“OPR have a deep understanding of Australia’s healthcare landscape and have built long-term trusted relationships with opinion leaders, specialists, researchers, healthcare

professionals, parliamentarians, governments, bureaucrats and patient advocacy groups,” says Leon Beswick, Managing Director of OPR.

The campaign goals and objectives of the strategy that OPR are developing is to: 1. refine messaging and explain the

profession;2. grow awareness among

stakeholders; and3. get new patients through the door. The ‘Consider a Chiro’ campaign will be launched in early 2020 and will involve both national and local community engagement. OPR’s inroads with the media and government will prove valuable in the implementation of this campaign.

ACA’s regular campaigns, including Spinal Health Week, will continue to run but will tie into the ‘Consider a Chiro’ campaign and be used as news hooks to reinvigorate the campaigns throughout the year.

CHRISTMAS AND GIVING BACK Successful campaigns will often tie into significant events and issues, and ultimately help lead the narrative. As we head into Christmas, most brands will launch their own Christmas campaign to piggyback off the holiday.

This Christmas, members have the opportunity to engage with their local community through our Giving Back and Christmas campaigns. We will be providing members with some Christmas themed social media post ideas and blogs.

I encourage you to consider participating in Giving Back Week, if not this year, consider joining us next year, as the goal with this initiative is to highlight chiropractors as community-minded leaders.

For more information on Giving Back Week and to download your Christmas themed social media posts ideas visit chiropractors.asn.au/christmas

STRAIGHTEN UP & JUST START WALKINGThis year we launched the latest Straighten Up app augmented reality (AR) experience – on sleep. This engaging and informative experience utilises AR to bring the sleeping character to life. Not only does this

PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT CAMPAIGNS


OPR HAVE A DEEP UNDERSTANDING OF AUSTRALIA’S HEALTHCARE

LANDSCAPE AND HAVE BUILT LONG-TERM TRUSTED RELATIONSHIPS

WITH OPINION LEADERS, SPECIALISTS, RESEARCHERS, HEALTHCARE

PROFESSIONALS, PARLIAMENTARIANS, GOVERNMENTS, BUREAUCRATS AND

PATIENT ADVOCACY GROUPS.

Earlier this year we relaunched our Just Start Walking app, designed to help Australians get out and active. Users can walk anytime, anywhere with the app tracking their every move and helping to improve overall health and wellbeing.

We have developed a number of resources to promote walking and help encourage your patients and the wider community to take their first steps to a more active life. From guides on running a community walking event to posters for your practice, social media posts to a media release template, we have you covered.

To access your resources and encourage your local community to just start walking this holiday season, visit chiropractors.asn.au/walking and make sure to use

CAMPAIGNS PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT

BACK TO SCHOOL

JANUARY

GIVING BACK

DECEMBER

WORLD SPINE DAY

OCTOBER

Sleeping on your stomach

Sleeping on your stomach will eventually create problems with your

spine and is not a recommended sleeping position. It puts unnecessary pressure on your neck due to twisting

your head and the straining of your lower back. It can also cause pressure

on your chest.

Sleeping on your side

Sleeping on your side is a better position for sleeping. Try lying with

your lower leg fairly straight and bend your upper leg or try placing a pillow

between your knees and bending both knees and hips slightly to position your pillow. This will reduce pressure placed

on the spine and provide alignment.

Sleeping on your back Sleeping on your back is also a good sleeping position. For extra support,

place a pillow under your knees to keep to the natural curves of your spine and

reduce strain on your lower back. It is also important to ensure your head pillow is the correct height to reduce

strain on the curves of the neck.

Download the Straighten Up AppTo help learn the best sleeping positions, the Straighten Up app now has an augmented reality experience on sleep. This engaging and informative

experience highlights both poor and correct sleeping positions with an x-ray view option. Ask your local ACA chiropractor for a Straighten Up card on

sleep and enjoy the AR experience.

Get an ACA Endorsed MattressACA Endorsed mattresses are manufactured by SleepMaker and are sold

exclusively through Sleepy’s stores. The SleepMaker Chiropractic Collection has been tested for relaxation and postural alignment, so each mattress supports the spine while sleeping. Ask your local ACA chiropractor for a

referral to your local Sleepy’s store.

Rest easy with the correct sleeping position

chiro.org.au/sleepThis is a health initiative from the Australian Chiropractors Association. To find your local

ACA chiropractor visit findachiro.org.au

STRAIGHTEN UP

WINTER

SPINAL HEALTH WEEK

MAY

JUST START WALKING

AUTUMN

#JustStartWalking when posting online.

BACK TO SCHOOL We are just around the corner from our annual Back to School campaign. While this campaign has tended to heavily feature the proper use of a backpack, this year’s campaign will be more holistic and highlight five simple tips to help children start the school year well. The five tips are:1. sitting with correct posture;2. wearing their backpack correctly;3. eating a balanced and nutritious

diet;4. reducing recreational screen time;

and5. getting enough physical activity

daily.Members will receive their online

highlight both poor and correct sleeping positions but users can switch to an x-ray view and see how the spine is positioned for both scenarios.

To enjoy this augmented reality experience, you simply need to download the Straighten Up app and once in the app, scan the AR card and see the character appear before your eyes. We have refreshed the existing AR cards for backpacks, office posture, gardening and mobile device use. These reprinted cards utilise our new branding and provide a full suite of AR cards to display in your practice. To order your AR cards, including the new sleeping experience, visit chiropractors.asn.au/eshop

ACA’s Just Start Walking health initiative provides resources on getting the most out of walking.

campaign toolkit via email on Tuesday 12 December. This toolkit will contain social media post ideas, media release template, newsletter template, waiting room presentation and a poster, which is included with this edition of the TAC.

We will also be releasing a video in late January as children return to school, which highlights the five simple tips. In addition to paid social media boosting, we will be asking members to share this video, to ensure it gets as much publicity as possible.

For more information on our public engagement campaigns and initiatives visit chiropractors.asn.au/marketing and please email me at [email protected] if you have any feedback or ideas that you would like to share. We look forward to working with you on a great year of public engagement in 2020.

FOR LIFE?

Find out how chiro can help you get #ReadyForLife at

spinalhealthweek.com.au

ARE YOUREADY

Spinal Health Week is a health initiative of the Australian Chiropractors Association 20-26 MAY 2019

SHW 2018 Posters FA.indd 1 30/07/2019 9:18 am


RESEARCH COMMUNITY

n the September 2019 edition of The Australian Chiropractor Dr David Shahar provided an anatomical overview in

relation to the enthesis entity and enthesophytes. In this segment, Dr Shahar will discuss factors that influence enthesophytes formation.

PART TWO INTRODUCTIONThe presence of enthesophytes has been linked to genetic, inflammatory and biomechanical factors,1,2 although these factors do not bear an equal weight on entheseal development and the progression of related disorders throughout life.3,4

ENTHESOPHYTE FORMATION: GENETIC FACTORS.Prominent scholars on the subject of enthesophyte formation suggest that large enthesophytes are exclusive to spondyloarthritis (SpA) sufferers and that the expression of SpA-related disease patterns is associated with biomechanics and normal entheseal anatomy.5

I Although genetic factors do influence enthesophyte development, a study in animals has demonstrated that genetic factors dominate entheseal development only shortly after birth, while entheseal development and maintenance is dictated primarily by external mechanical factors within weeks after birth.4 That study had shown that in response to botulinum toxin A (Botox – a paralysing agent) injections to mice’s supra spinatus muscle from 24 hours after birth, the following changes were recorded in subsequent testings at different predetermined time intervals (14, 21, 28, 56 days):

(i) potential entheseal development was reduced as decreased load hindered gathering of mineralized bone and arrested fibrocartilage formation; (ii) with time progression, osteoclaststic (bone resorption) activity was significantly higher in the Botox specimens which also displayed a more porous

Enthesis, Enthesitis, Enthesophytes Formation and Spondylarthritis

bone at the enthesis4 - that observation suggests that enthesis development may be more genetically reliant during the early days after birth; (iii) in lieu of reduced load on the involved structures, a clear difference in the groups was identified by day 21, with the difference increasing over time, suggesting that this later development of the enthesis is predominantly mechanically driven and reliant; and 4 (iv) muscle volume correlated and responded to Botox injection in a similar way to the enthesis, where no significant difference was recorded between the groups prior to day 14.4

This study has also shown that with the Botox group, bone surface remained largely covered by osteoclasts after day 14, while in other groups, bone surface osteoclasts coverage was reduced, allowing for proper enthesis development. These findings suggest that immobilization

Dr David Shahar DC PhD has published a number of studies in scientific journals including the Journal of Anatomy and the Scientific Reports – Nature. He completed his PhD in Clinical Biomechanics in 2019, is the founder of Dr Posture® and owner of Living Well Chiropractic, Sunshine Coast.

DR DAVID SHAHAR


COMMUNITY RESEARCH

REFERENCES

1. McGonagle D et al. An enthesitis based model for the pathogenesis of spondyloarthropathy. additive effects of microbial adjuvant and biomechanical factors at disease sites. J Rheumatol 2001; 28: 2155-9.

2. Claudepierre P, Voisin MC. The entheses: histology, pathology, and pathophysiology. Joint Bone Spine 2005; 72: 32-7.

3. Jacques P et al. Proof of concept: enthesitis and new bone formation in spondyloarthritis are driven by mechanical strain and stromal cells. Ann Rheum Dis 2014; 73: 437-45.

4. Thomopoulos S et al. Decreased muscle loading delays maturation of the tendon enthesis during postnatal development. J Orthop Res 2007; 25: 1154-63.

5. McGonagle D et al. Distinct topography of erosion and new bone formation in achilles tendon enthesitis: implications for understanding the link between inflammation and bone formation in spondylarthritis. Arthritis Rheum 2008; 58: 2694-9.

6. Van Der Heijde D et al. MRI inflammation at the vertebral unit only marginally predicts new syndesmophyte formation: a multilevel analysis in patients with ankylosing spondylitis. Ann Rheum Dis 2012; 71: 369-73.

7. Rudwaleit M et al. The development of Assessment of SpondyloArthritis international Society classification criteria for axial spondyloarthritis (part II): validation and final selection. Ann Rheum Dis 2009; 68: 777-83.

8. Moyer RF et al. Osteoarthritis year in review 2014: mechanics--basic and clinical studies in osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis Cartilage 2014; 22: 1989-2002.

9. Klein-Nulend J, Bacabac RG, Mullender MG. Mechanobiology of bone tissue. Pathol Biol (Paris) 2005; 53: 576-80.

10. Benjamin M, McGonagle D. Entheses: tendon and ligament attachment sites. Scand J Med Sci Sports 2009; 19: 520-7.

11. Benjamin M et al. Evidence for a distinctive pattern of bone formation in enthesophytes. Ann Rheum Dis 2009; 68: 1003-10.

12. Tyrdal S, Finnanger AMS. Osseous manifestations of ‘handball goalie’s elbow’. Scand J Med Sci Sports 1999; 9: 92-7.

13. Krahl H, Pieper HG, Quack G. [Bone hypertrophy as a results of training]. Orthopade 1995; 24: 441-5.

14. Jacques P, McGonagle D. The role of mechanical stress in the pathogenesis of spondyloarthritis and how to combat it. Best Pract Res Clin Rheumatol 2014; 28: 703-10.

15. Shahar D, Evans J, Sayers MGL. Large enthesophytes in teenage skulls: Mechanical, inflammatory and genetic considerations. Clin Biomech 2018; 53: 60-4.

is associated with bone resorption and demineralization, while increased loading of bone tissue leads to decreased resorption and increased bone mineralization.4 The preceding findings suggest that less than optimal force at the enthesis may cause retardation in the development and robustness of the enthesis, tendons and muscles through hypotrophic degeneration.4 Conversely, where more than optimal stress is applied, over development of the enthesis and related structures is likely to occur, leading to enthesophytes formation through hypertrophic degeneration.

ENTHESOPHYTE FORMATION: INFLAMMATORY FACTORS.Inflammatory factors also maintain an important role in enthesophyte development. Numerous reports have shown that spondylitis observable on MRI predicts new syndesmophytes formation.6 However, it is important to note that visible radiographic findings represent structural damage due to inflammation, not the inflammation itself, which may be identified by MRIs years in advance of the tissue remodelling seen in radiographic studies.7 Importantly, erosive and bone spur building phases with enthesopathy are not simultaneous, with the enthesophyte formation phase succeeding the inflammatory phase.5 For example, in SpA, enthesitis is responsible for a sequence of events at the bone and ligament/tendon interface. First, erosion of the entheses

development is an adaptive mechanism to further increase the surface area at the tendon/bone interface at sites enduring frequent tensile stress, with bone growth progression taking place in the direction of tensile stress acting on the bone at the insertion.3,5 Conversely, a study in animals has demonstrated that enthesophyte formation and inflammation decreases markedly with load reduction.3

The development and preservation of musculoskeletal tissues is affected by mechanical and environmental factors.4 As observed with enthesitis of the Achilles tendon, enthesis subjected predominantly to compressive loads will be associated with bone erosion, while enthesis subjected to tensile stress will be associated with bone formation.3,5 Indeed, enthesophyte formation has been attributed to mechanical causes such as repetitive trauma and excessive load acting at the insertion.12,13 Micro-trauma and associated histological changes are evident at sites where sustained biomechanical forces are acting on the enthesis.1 Current MRI studies have proposed that new bone deposition is more probable at sites of repetitive stress in which advanced spinal degeneration and sclerosis were demonstrated, unlike sites displaying acute injury that resolves completely.14

There is a growing body of evidence to implicate mechanical loading of bone and joint in triggering enthesitis and enthesophytes development. To that end, our work that was published in Clinical Biomechanics provides evidence that aberrant mechanical load has a significant role in enthesophyte growth, notwithstanding the influence of inflammatory or genetic factors.15 Our concern is that bone and joint degeneration instigated by mechanical load is frequently managed with non-functional means. Our study reinforces that there is a need for effective structural-modifying therapies to be incorporated in the management of conditions associated with structural damage.15

In the next segment we will discuss spondylarthritis and consider the management of associated degenerative structural changes.

is observed, followed by fibrosis and ossification.2 The new bone formation closes the gap between the bone defect and the eroded end of the ligament/tendon, creating a new enthesis that protrudes further than the original.2

Nevertheless, changes in load distribution may evoke protective as well as destructive reactions at the entheses.8 Thus, it is possible that mechanical loads may instigate inflammatory, genetic and immunological reactions and should not be looked at as an unrelated process.2

MECHANICAL LOAD: THE KEY DETERMINANT FOR ENTHESOPHYTE DEVELOPMENT?The development and preservation of musculoskeletal tissues is affected by mechanical and environmental factors,4 and these play a key role in bone turnover modulation.9 Bone architecture and remodelling relies on maintenance of equilibrium between bone robustness and materials conservation through adaptation to prevent structural failure.9 From a mechanistic perspective, enthesophytes are predominantly traction spurs and enthesis morphology and footprint on the bone is largely dictated by the mechanical loads acting on it.10 Over time, tensile load on tendons and ligaments determine the physiological robustness of those tissues and the surface area of their attachment to bone.11 Accordingly, enthesophyte


ADVOCACY POLICY

n 2015 the South Australian Veterinary Surgeons Board notified South Australian chiropractor, Dr Bernard

Nadolny, of a complaint concerning a potential breach by that practitioner of the Veterinary Practice Act 2003.The Veterinary Surgeons Board warned Dr Nadolny he may have committed an offence contained in Section 39(1) of the Act which provides:

A person must not provide veterinary treatment for fee or reward unless, at the time the treatment was provided -

(a) the person was a qualified person;Maximum penalty: $20 000 or

imprisonment for six months.Subsequently, in 2017 Dr Nadolny was charged with seven counts contrary to Section 39(1) of the South Australian Veterinary Practice Act 2003, each charging him with providing veterinary treatment for fee or reward, whilst not being a qualified person and not providing the treatment through the instrumentality of a qualified person.

The lawyer acting for Dr Nadolny, Joana Fuller, told Christies Beach Magistrates Court her client took radiographs, offered advice and

I massaged animals – but argued these acts should not be considered as providing treatment or making a diagnosis.

Nevertheless, last month Magistrate Brian Nitschke told the court he was satisfied beyond reasonable doubt for six of the seven charges. Dr Nadolny was found not guilty on one count. Sentencing submissions will be heard at Elizabeth Magistrates Court on 29 November.

Each state and territory have separate veterinary legislation and, generally speaking, this legislation prohibits a person other than a registered veterinary practitioner from performing restricted veterinary treatment. For the purposes of this article veterinary treatment can be generally defined as the diagnosis, treatment or prevention of a disease, injury or condition in an animal.

Only two jurisdictions permit veterinary treatment by a registered chiropractor and only in limited circumstances.

In South Australia veterinary treatment can be provided by a registered health professional if it is provided in accordance with the

directions of a registered veterinary surgeon.

Similarly, in the Northern Territory, veterinary treatment can be provided by a registered health practitioner if a registered veterinarian has examined the animal before the treatment is undertaken and the treatment is carried out under the direct supervision of the veterinarian.

Otherwise every other jurisdiction prohibits veterinary treatment by registered chiropractors except in limited circumstances including: • the person providing the treatment

is the owner of the animal (NSW); • the person providing the treatment

is undertaking an approved course of study in veterinary science (every jurisdiction); and

• there was no registered veterinary surgeon in practice, willing to perform the service, or available to perform the service within a reasonable time, within 50 kilometres (WA).

Although Victoria no longer has any restricted acts of veterinary science, it now relies on cruelty to animal legislation to prosecute anyone who endangers the health of an animal.

As this clearly demonstrates, all chiropractors must be aware of the relevant laws in their state or territory before they provide any chiropractic treatment to an animal.

There has been some confusion about whether the Health Practitioner Regulation National Law in each state and territory authorises treatment of animals. In September 2015 the Chiropractic Board of Australia (CBA) released a statement concerning chiropractic treatment of animals which said:

“. . . the National Law provides for the protection of the public and, consistent with this policy, this has been deemed to imply that it relates to care being provided to humans. The Board does not have a role to play in the oversight of practitioners providing treatment to animals other than when a person uses a title that could lead to the belief that the person is a registered health practitioner when they are not.”

This is a clear statement by the CBA that it has no role to play in overseeing chiropractic treatment provided to animals.

Animal Chiropractic – is it Legal?

BERNARD RUPASINGHE

SYDNEYMercure Sydney, 818-820 George Street

CATEGORIES Sydney 4 + 5 April 2020

CMRT Sydney 2 + 3 May 2020

CRANIAL Sydney 30 + 31 May 2020

MELBOURNEIBIS Melbourne, 15-21 Therry Street

CATEGORIES Melbourne 16 + 17 May 2020

CMRT Melbourne 18 + 19 July 2020

CRANIAL Melbourne 1 + 2 August 2020

BRISBANEMercure Brisbane, 85/87 North Quay, CBD

CATEGORIES Brisbane 18 + 19 July 2020

CMRT Brisbane 1 + 2 August 2020

CRANIAL Brisbane 15 + 16 August 2020

CRANIAL SUTURES Brisbane 12 September 2020

2020

This is an updated version of an article first published in The Australian Chiropractor in March 2016.


POLICY ADVOCACY

environment is a unique area of expertise, and as such, [the ACA Board] considers it essential that those practitioners wishing to provide chiropractic care for animals, have relevant post-graduate qualifications, and observe regulatory requirements set out by both ‘human’ chiropractic, veterinary, and other relevant regulatory authorities.”

Animal Biomechanical Medicine (ABM) is a relatively new profession in Australia and there is an association representing ABM practitioners - Animal Biomechanical Professionals Australia (ABPA). ABM evolved through the interaction of a group of professionals who came together through the running of the RMIT University Animal Chiropractic program between 1998 and 2009. This program was open to veterinarians, chiropractors and osteopaths. More recently, ABPA has developed a course to replace the RMIT program. ABPA members are professionals holding university degrees in veterinary science, chiropractic

science or osteopathy, and at least a further Graduate Diploma in Animal Biomechanical Medicine (ABM) or RMIT University Graduate Diploma Animal Chiropractic. All ABPA members must also be registered to practice their original profession in the states or territories in which they work.

Following last month’s decision concerning Dr Nadolny, Guild Insurance has reminded practitioners in South Australia that insurance coverage is not guaranteed for investigations and civil claims for practitioners who provide treatment to animals in breach of the Vet Practices Act 2003.

The ACA intends to provide members with a more in-depth update on this issue in coming weeks, once we have a clearer position about legislative differences in other states and territories. Note: This article contains general information only and is not intended to be used as legal advice for a specific legal problem.

The Veterinary Surgeons Board of South Australia was contacted in early 2016 when this article was first published but the ACA was advised the Board does not provide legal advice to members of the public who should seek their own independent legal advice if they have any questions or concerns about possible implications of the Veterinary Practice Act 2003.

According to practitioners who practice in this area, there is growing consumer demand for allied health services for domestic animals including chiropractic assessment and treatment. Chiropractors possess specialised skills in biomechanical/neurological assessment and treatment of the skeletal frame which can be transposed to the animal model with relatively little modification. Formal post-graduate training is also available in Australia to facilitate this transposition.

In early 2016 the ACA Board adopted a position statement reiterating the following:

“Working with animals in a clinical

SYDNEYMercure Sydney, 818-820 George Street

CATEGORIES Sydney 4 + 5 April 2020

CMRT Sydney 2 + 3 May 2020

CRANIAL Sydney 30 + 31 May 2020

MELBOURNEIBIS Melbourne, 15-21 Therry Street

CATEGORIES Melbourne 16 + 17 May 2020

CMRT Melbourne 18 + 19 July 2020

CRANIAL Melbourne 1 + 2 August 2020

BRISBANEMercure Brisbane, 85/87 North Quay, CBD

CATEGORIES Brisbane 18 + 19 July 2020

CMRT Brisbane 1 + 2 August 2020

CRANIAL Brisbane 15 + 16 August 2020

CRANIAL SUTURES Brisbane 12 September 2020

2020


MEMBER SERVICE COMMUNITY

n recognition of his tireless work and dedication to the Association and the profession, Dr Mark McEwan was awarded

Life Member of the ACA at the 2019 ACA Conference in Melbourne. Dr McEwan joins an impressive list of members who have dedicated much of their practice life to the improvement and furthering of the profession.

His first interaction with chiropractic began when he became a patient of the late Dr John A Sweaney AM, after suffering a sports related injury. His father, who suffered from chronic back pain from long hours as a dentist, was also a patient of Dr Sweaney’s. Dr McEwan saw first-hand how his father and himself where helped in ways that medicine couldn’t.

I “I’ve always been interested in health and I was enrolled to study medicine but seeing how chiropractic helped my dad and I, definitely changed my direction,” Dr McEwan said.

Graduating from RMIT University in 1980, he began work as an associate for Dr Sweaney in his St Marys and Springwood practices in NSW. Eventually purchasing the clinic in St Mary’s from Dr Sweaney, Dr McEwan continued to practise there, establishing a multidisciplinary clinic with his wife who is a clinical and educational psychologist, each running their own respective practices. After 15 years they sold the practice and moved to the Sunshine Coast in QLD, creating another multidisciplinary practice, where they have been ever since.

During his 40 years as a chiropractor, Dr McEwan held a number of roles within the Association and profession at large. This includes 15 years on the former CAA Boards in QLD, NSW and National, serving as President of CAAQLD from 1999-2002 and as Chairman of the CAA Council of Representatives from 2002-2010.

Dr McEwan was also involved within the regulatory space of the profession serving eight years on the Chiropractors Board of Queensland, including four years as its Chair. He was also a Board member of the Chiropractic Board of Australia from 2009-2015, spending time as Chair of the Codes and Guidelines Committee, Finance and Governance Committee and Registrations and Notifications

Dr Mark McEwan Receives Life Membership

ALANNA MELVIN


COMMUNITY MEMBER SERVICE

profession through the students because they are the future and I want to make sure they get as good an education as I did and can benefit from my experiences in practice.”

Accepting his Life Member Award, Dr McEwan was extremely emotional and shocked at receiving this prestigious award. He was also very grateful to be recognised by his peers and thankful to the number of practitioners who nominated him for this award.

“It was great to be recognised and I was very surprised by what some of my colleagues had to say about me. I was given a copy of my nomination form and it was really moving to receive that kind of feedback and I was very humbled by it. I was particularly surprised with what a couple of my colleagues had said, especially because we haven’t always been on the same side of the fence.”

Although he enjoys his involvement within the Association, Dr McEwan looks forward to seeing young chiropractors eventually become more involved and playing a larger role within the ACA.

“I really enjoy my involvement with the TER Committee and I think it’s really valuable for the profession in the long run. However, although I enjoy my role in the Northern Regional Committee, I think there’s good, young people coming through who can eventually take over that one day.”

When Dr McEwan isn’t dedicating himself to the profession, he is

Dr Mark McEwan Receives Life Membership

Warwick Bateman AM OAMJean BundesenThomas ColePeter CowieNeil Davies

Edwin Devereaux AMPhillip DonatoBrice DouglasPhillip Ebrall

Bruce EllisRoss GilmoreJohn Hinwood

Graham Hunt AMGeoff Irvine

Alexander JeffersAndries Kleynhans OAM

Noel MartinMark McEwan

Andre Menash AMMiriam E MintyGraham Morris

Hans- Joachim MuellerNoel Patterson

Rolf PetersOwen Putman

Peter RomeKeith SimpsonRobson Timbs

Andrew VincentDein Vindigni OAM

John WaterhouseAnthony Williams

Shirley Winter

ACA LIFE

MEMBERS

Committee. Currently, he is the Chair of the

ACA Tertiary Education and Research (TER) Committee and the Chair of the Northern Regional Committee, although his greatest joy at the end of the day will always be helping patients.

“I love the patient interaction, I love clinical practice and I enjoy serving the profession. My career has honestly just been fun, I can’t describe it any other way. When my kids used to help in my practice, they would always say ‘Dad doesn’t go to work, he goes to have fun.’ The joy you get out of helping and serving, that’s why we’re here for the benefit of our patients.”

Dr McEwan always found it important to be a part of the wider profession and within the membership. The role models in his life including his father and Dr Sweaney, were both very involved with in their professions and community, leading him down a similar direction of wanting to serve.

“I get so much out of practice and being a chiropractor. It’s a significant part of my identity and who I am that I want to give back to it and be in the game of helping improve and mould the profession, instead of simply criticising and doing nothing about it.”

Dr McEwan is also dedicated towards the education of chiropractic students, volunteering his time on the CQUniversity chiropractic Program Reference Committee since 2015.

“For me it’s about influencing the

spending time with his wife, their four children and two grandchildren. He also likes to keep out and active by golfing, participating in water sports, flying planes, and spending time working on his hobby farm.

“I don’t see myself retiring anytime soon and I will continue to practice as long as I am able to and can be of value to my patients.”

Congratulations to Dr McEwan on receiving this prestigious award for his tireless efforts in moving the profession forward and being a part of the Association’s history.


MEMBER SERVICE HR SERVICE

uilding a strong safety culture in your workplace is critical to ensure wellbeing and mitigate

key legal risks. According to SafeWork Australia, 16% of serious workers compensation claims in 2016-17 were filed by employees in the Health Care and Social Assistance industry.

This highlights a need for employers in the industry to re-examine their work health and safety (WHS)* policies and processes.

The WHS Model Act (the ‘Act’) was drafted in 2011 by the then Labor Government. This legislation was enacted to create a nationalised WHS

B system. Since January 1, 2012, all employers (excluding those in Victoria and WA) are bound by the Act.**

The Act identifies four key operational responsibilities businesses must address to fulfil their safety obligations:• development and implementation

of tailored WHS policies and procedures;

• risk assessment and management;• consultation; and• training.The Act also identifies a key governance responsibility:• the officer’s duty to exercise due

diligence.

This often raises the questions:• ‘who is an officer?’; and • ‘what does it mean to exercise due

diligence?’An officer is an individual employed in a strategic role that involves achieving the organisation’s goals. In chiropractic businesses, officers would usually be clinic owners and senior management staff.

Exercising due diligence includes (but is not limited to) an officer: • taking all reasonable steps to

identify and minimise risks in the workplace;

• implementing policies and procedures for others to identify

Simple Steps to Improve Your Company’s Safety Culture

Joseph McHardy is a Workplace Relations Advisor for the ACA HR Service and our new contributor for your HR updates. He studied Industrial Relations and Human Resource Management at university as helping businesses and their employees is his passion. Being a part of ensuring workplaces are safe and fair for all is what motivates him in providing advice to chiropractic businesses everyday.

JOSEPH MCHARDY


HR SERVICE MEMBER SERVICE

and minimise risks; and• implementing clear policies and

procedures for all relevant parties to follow with regard to incident management.

Prior to the Model WHS Act, tracing accountability for WHS represented a key challenge for business and government. The due diligence requirement clarifies the chain of accountability.

Once safety obligations are understood, policies developed and implemented, there is one final hurdle for businesses to conquer, driving engagement.

Commonly, businesses lay the

issues/concerns. Finally, they can be responsible for organising regular ‘safety sessions’ as part of ongoing training.

CONTINUOUS CONSULTATIONEmployees are an invaluable source of knowledge when it comes to WHS as they confront risks and hazards day-to-day. Practically, ‘safety check-ups’ can be included as part of your regular team meetings to keep the issue of safety at the forefront of everyone’s mind and incentivise participation across all levels of the business.

REGULAR COMMUNICATIONIn addition to face-to-face meetings, managers and leaders can provide regular updates e.g. via email to keep safety relevant.

RECOGNITIONOngoing recognition of those who uphold the safety standards of your business shows your commitment to WHS and encourages others to model your desired behaviours. Some businesses have even adopted ‘Safety Awards’ that recognise employees who have demonstrated their individual contribution to WHS.

Building a strong safety culture is an essential requirement for the modern-day business owner in Australia. In doing so, you increase your attractiveness as an employer. More so than this, you ensure you are complying with your legal obligation to provide a safe workplace for all.

For further information on WHS, feel free to contact the ACA HR Service on 02 8448 3211 or by email at [email protected]

*referred to as Occupational Health & Safety (OHS) in Victoria and WA

**State legislation continues to operate but all provisions come from the Federal Model Act.

groundwork for strong WHS systems and processes but find difficulty in bringing them to life.

Several strategies can be adopted to encourage engagement with WHS initiatives across the workplace, including (but not limited to):

APPOINTING A DEDICATED WHS OFFICER A dedicated WHS officer can help the business to meet their legal obligations by keeping up to date with industry developments, so as to be able to regularly amend company policies. Furthermore, they can act as a point of contact to raise relevant

ACA HR SERVICETo discuss your workplace matter, contact the ACA HR Service on 02 8448 3211 between 8:30 am and 5:30pm AEST Monday to Friday. Alternatively, email your workplace enquiry to [email protected], or browse the online HR resources at chiropractors.asn.au/hrservice


MEMBER SERVICE RISK MANAGEMENT

he Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (the OAIC) has released a Guide to Health Privacy

to assist healthcare providers to understand their obligations under the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) (the Privacy Act) regarding the handling of sensitive health information about their patients and customers.

Healthcare providers range from doctors, hospitals, allied health

professionals, complementary medicine practitioners, pharmacists and the like.

The Guide to Health Privacy outlines the key practical steps that healthcare providers should take to ensure that the sensitive information is handled correctly. It also outlines how privacy obligations apply to and operate in the healthcare context.

The Guide to Health Privacy should be read in conjunction with the

Privacy Act and the Australian Privacy Principles Guidelines.

AN EIGHT-STEP PLAN FOR BETTER PRIVACY PRACTICEThe Guide to Health Privacy details an eight-step plan for better privacy practice. These steps should be taken in order to establish, implement and maintain adequacy in privacy processes in the context of health service provision. The steps are as

SHANNON MONY

TDO YOU UNDERSTAND YOUR OBLIGATIONS?

Shannon is a Principal at Meridian Lawyers, based in Perth, and is highly regarded for her insurance litigation expertise, specifically in medical negligence, health law and professional indemnity claims.

Handling Sensitive Health Information About Patients and Customers


RISK MANAGEMENT MEMBER SERVICE

follows:1. Develop and implement a privacy

management plan.2. Develop clear lines of

accountability for privacy management.

3. Create a documented record of the types of personal information you handle.

4. Understand your privacy obligations and implement processes to meet those obligations.

5. Hold staff training sessions on privacy obligations.

6. Create a privacy policy.7. Protect the information you hold.8. Develop a data breach response

plan.

PRACTICAL MANAGEMENTThe Guide to Health Privacy provides practical direction in relation to:• How health information should be

collected and how patients should be notified about the collection of that information.

to communicate consent can be disclosed.

• When and how a patient’s genetic information can be used or disclosed as well as the collection and use of contact details of a patient’s genetic relatives and related consent issues.

• When and how health information can be used for research and the relationship with the compilation of health information for analysis of statistics relevant to public health or safety, and related consent issues.

• All healthcare providers and those who work within a healthcare environment should be aware of the Guide to Health Privacy and their obligations under the Privacy Act and the Australian Privacy Principles Guidelines.

• The primary and secondary purposes for which a healthcare provider can disclose of a patient’s health information as well as overseas disclosure, direct marketing and government related identifiers.

• The patient’s right to their health information, how to deal with requests for health information, and the grounds for refusing access to health information.

• The reasonable steps that should be taken to ensure the health information is correct, responding to a patient’s request to correct health information, and giving notice to the individual if the health service provider refuses to correct health information.

• Defining “health management activities” and how to collect, disclose or use health information where necessary for health management activities.

• When and to whom health information about patients with impaired capacity or an inability

& 17-18

OCTOBER 2020

HILTON HOTEL


RESEARCH ACA CONFERENCE

ICSC Upper Extremities Module + Sports Chiropractic Masterclass

chiro.org.au/symposium

Register by 20 March 2020 and save with

our Early Bird

ICCSP Upper Extremities Module + Sports Chiropractic Masterclass.indd 1 21/11/2019 12:55 pm


ASSOCIATION GOVERNANCE

n order for ACA to best serve its members, it needs to have governance policies in place that reflect the goals of the

organisation and put members at the forefront of its internal structures. As part of the Governance pillar, the ACA is committed to ensuring that the conduct of the organisation is in the best interest of members and remains clear and transparent.

Since the restructure of the Association, there have been a number of procedures, processes and policies under review in order to best reflect the new structure of the ACA that is clear and thorough. This includes an update to the ACA’s Business Continuity Plan.

The Plan is a formal document to be used to restore ACA’s business operation in the event of a major disaster or other business interruption event. By managing the risk associated with unpredictable events and circumstances, the organisation can ensure the continued support of members and the Association’s continuation, despite external factors.

The document covers the three main phases of a disaster, including managing the crisis, recovering the critical operations and resuming normal business operations. Following

I a major disruption affecting the ACA, key personnel will be expected to manage the recovery of critical operations as per the procedures and processes in this Business Continuity Plan.

“It’s vital that as a membership organisation, we provide the best systems and management infrastructure to constantly serve members to the best of our ability,” ACA Finance and Infrastructure Manager, Kim Hall said.

Another key area of ACA’s Governance is the managing and implementing of IT systems. Thus, the Association is currently undertaking a systems selection process and reviewing the current IT systems in order to create an informed judgement on the most efficient database for members. By implementing the best systems, this ensures a coherent and streamlined process where the information of members can remain secure and up-to-date. This also includes a review into all the database connects into, including the ACA websites.

Maintaining websites and portals that work in the best interest of members is paramount to ensuring members constantly have access to all the benefits and resources available. It’s also important that

ALANNA MELVIN

ACA Governance Review the user experience of the website is convenient and easy for all to use, with ease of navigation and a single sign-on system, connecting to all of the ACA’s third-party services. This process is still underway and we will keep members up-to-date on future developments.

“The ACA website is the main system in which members access all their benefits and communication, so it is paramount that we have IT systems that can cater to the customised nature of the website and simply make it easy for members to have everything at their fingertips,” Kim said.

The ACA has also brought on board a HR consultant to review key human resource policies and procedures. This ensures the organisation serves all stakeholders including staff, and that ACA staff are comfortable with their working environments.

When any company goes through changes and shifts, stakeholders need to be made aware of the implications that reviews and updates like these have on the organisation. ACA will continue to put members first in all aspects of the business, to ensure value in membership, with the correct systems and procedures in place to maintain the highest of association standards.

ICSC Upper Extremities Module + Sports Chiropractic Masterclass

chiro.org.au/symposium

Register by 20 March 2020 and save with

our Early Bird

ICCSP Upper Extremities Module + Sports Chiropractic Masterclass.indd 1 21/11/2019 12:55 pm


GOVERNANCE STAFF PROFILE

Communications Specialist

f you’ve read The Australian Chiropractor over the last 12 months, chances are that you would have read Alanna

Melvin’s impressive literary work. While normally the interviewer, Alanna took a turn as the interviewee, in order for you to get to know her.

In hiring a Communications Specialist we interviewed over 20 candidates and as soon as we met Alanna it was clear that she was the right person for the role. A recent university graduate, Alanna brought great skills and an eagerness to learn, grow and contribute, in addition to her warm and vibrant personality.

From the age of 16, Alanna was set on studying journalism at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS), as she greatly enjoyed the various forms of multimedia. Not only did she excel in her high school English subjects, Alanna was actively involved in the performing arts.

After graduating high school, Alanna enrolled at UTS in a Bachelor of Arts in Communication (majoring in journalism) and a Bachelor of Creative Intelligence and Innovation. Once graduating with her double degree in 2018, Alanna continued to work part-time with Code Club Australia, a charity she had interned with during her degree, in addition to working at Australian Brews News, a craft beer industry news website. Desiring a full-time role, Alanna was the successful candidate for the opening in the newly restructured ACA’s marketing and communications team, commencing in October 2018.

“It’s been great working with the ACA, having the opportunity to grow quickly, both personally and professionally and develop my skills in a supportive

Alanna Melvin

ARIEL TATE

I environment,” reflects Alanna. “I never imagined I would get to work

across apps, developing a new website and being part of a team covering such a diverse mix of projects.”

As Communications Specialist, Alanna not only writes and edits for The Australian Chiropractor but coordinates social media, assists in developing public engagement campaigns, curates website content and does plenty of ad hoc writing and proofreading.

Having limited prior experience with the profession, Alanna was pleasantly surprised at the in-depth skills and knowledge of chiropractors and how much more there was to the profession than what is commonly understood by the general public.

One year into the role, Alanna is looking forward to developing our internal and public-facing campaigns further. In coming to understand the intricacies of the profession and Association, Alanna is looking forward to developing her creativity in helping enhance the public reputation.

“A highlight for me this last year was definitely the Conference in Melbourne. I loved being able to meet members I had interviewed and seeing the comradery in action made it very special.”

When Alanna isn’t utilising her creative writing and critical thinking skills for the profession, she thoroughly enjoys travelling and spending time with her friends and family, including her twin brother. Although, Wilson, her 12-year-old dog is her pride and joy.

Passionate about human rights causes and with a great media and communications career ahead of her, I have no doubt that she will use her gifts and talents to help inspire people and create positive change.


8-9 Hawaii Cox ® Technic Seminar with Dr James Cox F/D Enterprise LLC http://events.r20.constantcontact.com 11.25

21 Melbourne Cox Technic Hands-on Workshop F/D Enterprise LLC Cox Seminar http://bit.ly/Wkspdixon 4

8 Sydney Pain & Pregnancy Bower Bird CPD http://bit.ly/2nxB48y 6

13-14 Newcastle Mark & Measure-Examination skills of Children & Teens Dr Jacey Pryjma wellkidsprogram.com/ 14

14-15 Newcastle Mark their Steps-Research & Care Manag Children & Teens Dr Jacey Pryjma wellkidsprogram.com/ 7 + 2

14-15 Sydney Switched-on Babies Switched on Kids switched-on-kids.com.au 12.5

21-22 Melbourne BPPV:Diagnosis & Treatment Bower Bird CPD http://bit.ly/2Zfjvw2 12

21 Brisbane SD Protocol: Balancing autonomics & reducing stress Dr Wayne Todd sdprotocol.com 32

4-5 Sydney S.O.T Categories SOTO Australasia soto.org.au 14

2-3 Sydney Chiropractic Manipulative Reflex Technique (C.M.R.T) SOTO Australasia soto.org.au 12

16-17 Melbourne S.O.T Categories SOTO Australasia soto.org.au 14

22-24 Sydney Australasian Vestibular Rehabilitation Conference Brain Hub Academia & NeuRA brainhubacademia.com.au TBC

22-24 Melbourne Sports Chiropractic Symposium ACA chiro.org.au/symposium TBC

23 Gold Coast Pain & Pregnancy Bower Bird CPD http://bit.ly/2lYvADi 6

30-31 Sydney S.O.T Cranials SOTO Australasia soto.org.au 10

20-23 Bali SD Protocol: Balancing autonomics & reducing stress Dr Wayne Todd sdprotocol.com 32 (24 prior)

26-27 Newcastle Mark & Measure-Examination skills of Children & Teens Dr Jacey pryjma wellkidsprogram.com/ 14

27-28 Newcastle Mark their Steps-Research & Care Manag Children & Teens Dr Jacey Pryjma wellkidsprogram.com/ 7 + 2

3-5 Asia Mid-Year Retreat SOTO Australasia soto.org.au TBC

18-19 Brisbane S.O.T Categories SOTO Australasia soto.org.au 14

18-19 Melbourne Chiropractic Manipulative Reflex Technique (C.M.R.T) SOTO Australasia soto.org.au 12

1-2 Brisbane Chiropractic Manipulative Reflex Technique (C.M.R.T) SOTO Australasia soto.org.au 12

1-2 Melbourne S.O.T Cranials SOTO Australasia soto.org.au 10

15-16 Brisbane S.O.T Cranials SOTO Australasia soto.org.au 10

12 Brisbane S.O.T Certification Exams (Basic, Advanced & Craniopath) SOTO Australasia soto.org.au N/A

12 Brisbane S.O.T Advanced Module Cranial Suturals SOTO Australasia soto.org.au 5.5

17-18 Adelaide ACA Conference ACA [email protected] TBC

13-15 Melbourne SOT Annual Convention SOTO Australasia soto.org.au TBC

14 Melbourne SD Protocol: Balancing autonomics & reducing stress Dr Wayne Todd sdprotocol.com 32 (24 prior)

FEBRUARY 2020

Disclaimer: Inclusion on this list is as an information source only and does not indicate, expressly or impliedly, that the ACA endorses the products, services or techniques offered.

CALENDARRegular Section

DATE LOCATION EVENT NAME EVENT PROVIDER CONTACT DETAILS CPD HOURS

MARCH 2020

MAY 2020

APRIL 2020

JULY 2020

AUGUST 2020

SEPTEMBER 2020

NOVEMBER 2020

JUNE 2020

OCTOBER 2020


Water Soluble MAGNESIUM CITRATE with Diasporal® Delivery System for Optimal Results

FOR HEALTHCARE PRACTITIONERS ONLY

Not all MAGNESIUMS are the same.

Migraines & headaches? Indications:✔ May assist in management of migraine

✔ May help reduce the frequency of migraines

Request a FREE SAMPLE & PRODUCT INFO

by contacting practitioner assistance:

1300 551 077email: [email protected]

www.biopractica.com.au

NERVOUS SYSTEM

HEALTH

HEALTHY

PREGNANCY

MAGNESIUM Diasporal® Reduces Migraine Attacks by 45%

1.0

0.8

0.6

0.4

0.2

0

Num

ber o

f Mig

rain

e A

ttac

ks MAGNESIUM Diasporal®

Placebo

Placebo MAGNESIUM Diasporal®(2 x 300 mg/day)

1.00

0.55*

*p < 0,05

In a double blind, placebo controlled study on 30 patients with migraine, who were supplemented over a 3 month period with MAGNESIUM Diasporal® (providing 600mg Magnesium per day).Results showed the frequency and severity of migraine attacks was significantly reduced using MAGNESIUM Diasporal®.[Köseoglu E et al. Magnesium Research 2008; 21 (2): 101-8. No sponsor noted.]

MAGNESIUM Diasporal® demonstrates significant benefits in multiple clinical trials

PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT - members.chiro.org.au · new products with the best technology, providing...

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