The gap between research and clinical practice is well-documented. On average, it takes nearly two decades for evidence that could improve patient outcomes to be meaningfully integrated into care.[i] Even then, adoption alone does not guarantee measurable impact.

Closing this gap requires more than awareness; it demands intentional action, system-level collaboration, and a commitment to measuring outcomes.

One of the core pillars of the Chiropractic Association of Alberta’s (CAA) strategic plan is to promote a culture of safety and innovation that drives evidence-based care. Our goal is simple but ambitious: to embed evidence, safety, and sustainability into everyday chiropractic practice across Alberta. Since our formation in 2021, the CAA has taken concrete steps to turn that vision into reality.

Evidence driving policy: Restoring diagnostic imaging access

In 2020, the Alberta government introduced changes to publicly funded diagnostic imaging (DI), centralizing ordering privileges under medical doctors. Prior to this shift, chiropractors had been important contributors to imaging referrals and patient care pathways.

To support informed advocacy, the CAA commissioned research using Statistics Canada data from the Canadian Community Health Survey. The findings highlighted the significant role chiropractors play in Alberta’s healthcare system; they were the most utilized providers for musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions, with a 19.1 per cent utilization rate in 2015, and ranked second only to physicians in overall healthcare access.

This strong evidence base helped drive effective advocacy efforts, culminating in the restoration of publicly funded DI access for chiropractors in 2022. This achievement was further strengthened by the development and promotion of diagnostic imaging best practice guidelines, ensuring that expanded access is aligned with appropriate, evidence-based care and continued high-quality outcomes for patients.

Strengthening primary care through integration

Modern healthcare systems are built on collaboration and data-driven decision-making.

In 2022, the CAA participated in the Modernizing Alberta’s Primary Health Care System (MAPS) Innovation Forum alongside 170 healthcare leaders. The resulting MAPS report formally recognized chiropractors as key contributors to team-based primary care, particularly in managing MSK conditions and chronic low back pain.

Recommendations emphasized:

• Connecting every Albertan to team-based primary care; and
• Integrating providers into broader health “neighbourhoods” to support whole-person care.

These recommendations reinforce what evidence has long shown: integrated, multidisciplinary care leads to better outcomes. The CAA continues to build partnerships that embed chiropractic care within primary care teams across the province.

Leveraging AI for low back pain self-management

Low back pain remains the leading cause of disability worldwide, and self-management is a first-line, evidence-based recommendation.

In partnership with the University of Alberta, the CAA launched the MSK Self-Management Pilot Program in 2024, featuring the SelfBack app, an AI-powered clinical decision support tool.

The platform delivers personalized exercise programs and advice based on patient-reported data and ongoing symptom tracking. It also includes a clinician dashboard, allowing chiropractors to monitor patient progress outside the clinic.

This initiative reflects a shift toward continuous, data-informed care, extending treatment beyond in-person visits and empowering patients to take an active role in their recovery.

Improving care through collaboration with WCB

Listening to our members is essential to improving systems.

Through engagement with over 200 chiropractors, the CAA gathered valuable insights and opportunities to strengthen the  Workers’ Compensation Board (WCB) system. Key areas identified  included enhancing billing consistency, expanding coverage for certain injuries, and further supporting collaborative, team-based care. In 2024, these efforts led to the first chiropractic rate increase in a decade, along with expanded billing options.

The creation of the Chiropractic Services Advisory Committee, bringing together the CAA, WCB, and the profession, ensures ongoing collaboration. Its focus is clear: improving access to high-quality, evidence-based care for Albertans injured at work.

Advancing patient safety through learning systems

In 2026, the CAA launched the Chiropractic Patient incident Reporting & Learning System (CPiRLS), a confidential and non-punitive platform designed to strengthen patient safety. Modeled after a successful system developed in the United Kingdom, CPiRLS enables chiropractors to report and learn from safety incidents in a “just culture” environment.

By analyzing aggregated data, the CAA can identify trends, share insights, and issue Safety Notices with practical recommendations for improving care. This represents a shift from reactive to proactive safety, where learning from experience drives continuous quality improvement across the profession.

Expanding  access: Public funding and innovative care models

Access remains a critical barrier for many patients with MSK conditions.

In March 2026, the CAA launched the Low Back on Track pilot program, supported by a $250,000 Government of Alberta grant. This initiative integrates publicly funded chiropractic care into primary care networks in Calgary Foothills and Red Deer.

By removing financial barriers, the program enables patients to access timely, non-invasive MSK care, while reducing reliance on emergency departments and improving system efficiency.

This pilot directly supports MAPS recommendations and provides an opportunity to evaluate the real-world impact of integrating chiropractic care into publicly funded primary care.

Care-first auto insurance to provide better benefits and faster care

Beginning in January 2027, Alberta will introduce a care-first automobile insurance system designed to prioritize timely treatment and recovery. The goal is simple: ensure Albertans receive the care they need when they need it.

This patient-centred approach recognizes the essential role healthcare providers play in recovery, including chiropractors. As regulated providers within Alberta’s healthcare system, chiropractors deliver safe, effective, evidence-based care and are leaders in musculoskeletal rehabilitation.

Often among the first providers patients see after an MVA, chiropractors assess injuries, develop individualized treatment plans, and provide hands-on care that reduces pain, restores mobility, and supports recovery. Integrating chiropractic into a care-first model enables earlier access to appropriate treatment, leading to better outcomes for patients.

Looking ahead: A system built on evidence

There is growing recognition of the importance of timely, evidence-based rehabilitation. Chiropractors play a critical role in this landscape, often serving as first-contact providers for patients in their recovery.

The opportunity ahead is clear: to build a healthcare system where evidence informs practice, collaboration drives innovation, and outcomes define success.

The work is ongoing, but the direction is set. Ultimately, advancing evidence-based care means ensuring that chiropractic continues to deliver measurable improvements in patient outcomes and remains an integral part of Alberta’s evolving healthcare system.

[i] Rubin R. It Takes an Average of 17 Years for Evidence to Change Practice—the Burgeoning Field of Implementation Science Seeks to Speed Things Up. JAMA. 2023;329(16):1333–1336. doi:10.1001/jama.2023.4387