GCC review of imaging in chiropractic

Following the inquest, in November 2019, into the death of a patient in a chiropractic clinic in York the Coroner asked the General Chiropractic Council to consider making first aid training a mandatory requirement for chiropractic registrants and to undertake a review of the requirement for pre-treatment imaging to inform whether a patient is suitable for treatment.

The Council established an expert group to undertake the review and to advise it. The group – with experts from radiology, radiography, MSK specialists, registrants and other disciplines – has met over the spring and summer to consider clinical evidence for the use of x-ray prior to manual therapy in chiropractic; extant guidelines; identify whether and/or when diagnostic imaging should be carried out; and the case for best practice guidance to be adopted by the profession.

Council considered the findings of the group at its meeting in September including draft guidance that Council agreed should be published in due course. Council also agreed that it is important to consult the profession on the draft guidance to capture views and identify areas where it could be improved.

This consultation will begin shortly, and we look forward to the engagement of registrants and stakeholders.