Research resource environment in Canada. Gathering knowledge in advance to inform chiropractic research priorities.

Objective: To better understand the research resources and environment within the Canadian chiropractic profession.

Methods: All members of the Canadian Chiropractic Association (n=7200) were invited to access an electronic survey on research capacity, activity, and resources. Canadian chiropractic stakeholder organizations received an invitation to participate in a related survey.

Results: 505 CCA members completed the survey (7.0% completed response rate, 65% males, 19% with graduate degrees). Researchers (26 full-time and 67 part-time) produced over 530 authorships in the past five years. Clinical research and systematic reviews were the most common areas of involvement. Regular meetings were rarely reported between researchers and chiropractic stakeholder organizations. Stakeholders indicated using research for member education, negotiation with government or funders, direct inquiries, and increased credibility. Fewer than half of the organizations regularly evaluated their research needs.

Conclusions: Chiropractic research resources in Canada are growing, but inconsistent communication and coordination between researchers and knowledge users persists.