Crafting the future of chiropractic research in the UK: designing sustainable practice-based research networks through qualitative exploration and logic model

TL;DR

This study explores how to create sustainable research networks for chiropractors in the UK to improve research involvement and outcomes.

Contribution

A novel logic model and set of recommendations for establishing Practice-Based Research Networks (PBRNs) in chiropractic care.

Findings

Five key themes were identified for PBRN development, including purpose, structure, and sustainability.

Stakeholders emphasized the need for financial support and strategies to increase chiropractor engagement.

A logic model was developed to guide future PBRN implementation and activities.

Abstract

Compared to other health professions, the chiropractic profession lacks a substantive research culture and research capacity, including limited involvement of chiropractors and low recruitment in practice-based research. One recommendation is the establishment of Practice-Based Research Networks (PBRN). This research aimed to explore the feasibility and models of PBRNs informing recommendations for the UK and the wider chiropractic profession.

Qualitative interviews with key stakeholders explored potential barriers and opportunities of PBRNs in the UK chiropractic setting. Participants included UK chiropractors, UK academics, representatives from organisations in the UK, and international researchers who had developed or utilised PBRNs. Qualitative findings were analysed using thematic analysis and synthesised with findings of literature on PBRN development, to formalise a model for PBRN development and delivery.

Thirty stakeholders participated in an interview. Five themes were developed from the synthesis of the qualitative themes and literature. This included: (1) Purpose of PBRNs within chiropractic, (2) Models and organisational structure of PBRNs, (3) Financial support for PBRN sustainability, (4) Enhancing chiropractor engagement, and (5) PBRN sub-study considerations. Participants highlighted the benefits of PBRNs to the profession and identified a series of recommendations around PBRN infrastructure and activities, which were developed into a logic model to support future PBRN development and delivery.

This study demonstrates the potential benefits of PBRNs in chiropractic, in the UK and internationally. Although several challenges to their development were identified, opportunities and solutions were offered to facilitate a PBRN in the chiropractic context. This research underpins recommendations for the future development, launch and sustainability of PBRNs within the profession in the UK and beyond.

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12998-026-00630-6.