Chiropractic students versus emergency care practitioners in simulated musculoskeletal emergencies

Background: As primary contact practitioners, chiropractors and emergency care practitioners (ECPs) are first points of access for patients with musculoskeletal (MSK) complaints. A comparison of their diagnostic competency in distinguishing these presentations from underlying emergency pathologies remains an understudied area. Aim: To compare the diagnostic abilities of Master of Health Science (MHSc) chiropractic students and ECPs in distinguishing MSK from emergency conditions. Setting: The research was conducted at the University of Johannesburg, Faculty of Health Sciences, simulation laboratory. Methods: First-year (n = 10) and second-year Master’s (n = 10) chiropractic students and ECPs (n = 10) were assessed using standardised patient scenarios: meningitis, disc herniation and stroke, and assessed on diagnostic assessment, diagnosis and clinical and diagnostic investigation referrals. Results: Second-year MHSc students outperformed ECPs in the clinical management of a disc herniation case (Case 2; p < 0.01). Diagnostic accuracy was high (> 90%) for meningitis and stroke across all groups. Differences in investigation preferences emerged, with chiropractic students favouring advanced imaging and ECPs recommending more basic tests. No significant performance differences were found in the other two cases. Conclusion: Based on a simulated assessment, chiropractic students demonstrated equivalent competence to ECPs in diagnosing emergencies, but outperformed them in managing an MSK condition. These preliminary findings suggest chiropractors could contribute to the management of MSK burden in emergency departments. Contribution: MHSc chiropractic training enhances diagnostic proficiency in differentiating MSK disorders from emergent pathologies, an important competency for safe and effective practice as primary contact practitioners.