Retention and attrition of chiropractors in Australia: the Workforce Retention and Attrition Project
Timothy Lathlean
A * , Abbey Chilcott B , Michael Shobbrook AM B , Colleen Papadopoulos B , Rechu Divakar A , Lee Barclay A , Kirsten Hibberd A , Eva Saar A and Jade Tan A
A
B
Abstract
This study aims to understand workforce retention and attrition of chiropractors in Australia.
An online survey of chiropractors in 2024 and a retrospective analysis of 10 years of Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (Ahpra) registration data were undertaken.
Of 1513 surveyed chiropractors, 80.0% intended to continue in the profession, 6.6% intended to leave (excluding retirement), 6.7% were unsure, and the remainder were retired. Seventy percent of those intending to leave planned to do so within 1 year. Top reasons included unsatisfactory remuneration (35.4%), lack of recognition/feeling undervalued (31.3%), work no longer professionally satisfying (31.3%), work no longer fulfilling/meaningful (29.2%), and retirement (29.2%). Those with limited registration status, working outside 20 to 49 h per week, and on casual or temporary contracts are also more likely to not renew or be unsure. Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (Ahpra) data (2014–2023) showed a 12.2% increase in registered chiropractors per 100,000 of the Australian population and a 15.8% rise in replacement rate (with fluctuations).
The overall number of chiropractors has increased from 2014 to 2023, and the replacement rate increased from 2015 to 2023. This highlights growth in the profession despite some issues in workforce stability, particularly among those with limited registration, non-standard work hours per week, and casual/temporary contract status. Addressing intrinsic and workplace factors such as remuneration, workplace recognition, and job satisfaction may improve retention.
Keywords: Australia, chiropractic, chiropractors, health profession, health regulation, health workforce, regulated health workforce, retention.
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