NA Retrospective Assessment of Network Care
Using a Survey of Self-Rated Health, Wellness and Quality of Life
Robert H Blanks, Ph.D.2 , Tonya L. Schuster, Ph.D.3 , Marnie Dobson, MA1

Journal for Vertebral Subluxation Research Volume 1, Number 4 , 1997
p.15-31

Abstract: - The present study represents a retrospective characterization of Network Care, a health discipline within the subluxation-based chiropractic model. Data were obtained from 156 Network offices (49% practitioner participation rate) in the United States, Canada, Australia, and Puerto Rico. Sociodemographic characterization of 2,818 respondents, representing a 67-71% response rate, revealed a population predominately white, female, well-educated, professional, or while collar workers. A second objective of the study included the development and initial validation of a new health survey instrument. The instrument was specifically designed to assess wellness though patients’ self-rating different health domains and overall quality of life at two "time" points: "presently" and retrospectively, recalling their status before initiating care ("before Network"). Statistical evaluation employing Chronbach’s alpha and theta coefficients derived from principle components factor analyses, indicated a high level of internal reliability in regard to the survey instrument, as well as stable reliability of the retrospective recall method of self-rated perceptions of change (p<0.000) in all four domains of health, as well as overall quality of life. Effect sizes for these different scores were all large (>0.9). Wellness was assessed by summing the scores for the four health domains into a combined wellness scale, and comparing this combined scale "presently" and "before Network." The difference, or "wellness coefficient," suggests that Network Care is associated with significant benefits. These benefits are evident from as early as 1-3 months under care, and appear to show continuing clinical improvements in the duration of care intervals studied, with no indication of a maximum clinical benefit. These findings are being further evaluated through longitudinal studies of current populations under care in combination with investigation of the neurophysiological mechanisms underlying its effects.