One of the purposes of the EFPC meeting in Denmark was to inform the European chiropractic community about Landsforeningen Kiropraktikkens Fremme (LKF), which is a large chiropractic patient association with over 50,000 members. Patients who are members of LKF pay annual dues, or a lump sum for a lifetime membership, and receive a discount on chiropractic care after roughly seven visits. The foreign delegates were interested in learning about LKF so they could create similar organizations in their own nations.
Landsforeningen Kiropraktikkens Fremme (LKF)
The first chiropractor in Denmark was Sofus Larsen who began practice 1920. The LKF was formed in 1924, and garnered an initial membership of 400 patients. The organization was formed to provide information about chiropractic and support in the development of chiropractic in Denmark.
In 1933 the association established an information office. Mr. Jerlev managed this office until his death in 1967. A newsletter, which the association started in 1925, has evolved into the quarterly magazine, Chiropractic and Health. The magazine is in full color and carries advertisements. LKF members receive the magazine, which is also mailed to members of parliament, newspapers, and other influential publications. Patient education leaflets are also produced.
LKF membership increased dramatically after the introduction of reduced cost for chiropractic care for its members. In 1978, health service in Denmark began a partial reimbursement of chiropractic care. While an important step for chiropractic in Denmark, maintaining high membership numbers in LKF has become more difficult.
The association's political works have focused on parliament and political parties, but has also involved labor unions and the labor movement.
Goals
At the November EFPC meeting, delegates agreed on the following goals:
- promote access to qualified chiropractic care for every person in Europe;
- establish and develop common interest between the European chiropractic organizations;
- support and assist national pro-chiropractic associations in their work for recognition of chiropractic; create solidarity between patients and chiropractors in Europe by promoting their mutual interests.
The EFPC's next meeting is scheduled in conjunction with the ECU meeting in Brussels, Belgium, May 12-14.
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