Blog Archives

NICE LBP & Sciatica Guideline

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NICE LBP & Sciatica Guideline

NICE has informed stakeholders that there has been a delay to the publication of the Low Back Pain & Sciatica guideline, which was due to be published on 7 September 2016. Apparently, a large number of comments were received during the consultation phase and so additional time is being taken to ensure that all of the points raised have been considered fully and responded to appropriately. The new publication date has yet to be confirmed.

New Chronic Pain Quality Standard

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New Chronic Pain Quality Standard

The Royal College of Chiropractors has launched a new Chiropractic Quality Standard on Chronic Pain, the latest in a series of RCC Quality Standards that aim to make it clear to patients, the public, healthcare professionals, commissioners and chiropractors what high-quality chiropractic care looks like.

The Chronic Pain quality standard can be accessed here along with all the other RCC quality standards. An associated audit toolkit will be available shortly.

AECC TDAP and Institutional Designation

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AECC TDAP and Institutional Designation

The RCC Council is delighted to congratulate the Anglo-European College of Chiropractic (AECC) following its recent achievement of Taught Degree Awarding Powers (TDAP). This will enable the institution to independently validate and award bachelors degrees and taught postgraduate degrees. AECC has also achieved Institutional Designation, which provides eligibility to receive HEFCE (Higher Education Funding Council, England) funding and ensures eligible students will receive funding through the Student Loan Company for the degree programmes AECC offers. It is understood AECC will now apply for a new ‘University College’ name to reflect its widening role as a provider not only of chiropractic awards but of other awards in the field of healthcare.

The achievements of TDAP and Institutional Designation are highly significant, representing Government recognition of the high quality of AECC’s management, governance and educational provision. They represent major milestones in the development of UK chiropractic education.

A framework to evaluate MSK models of care

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A framework to evaluate MSK models of care

The global burden of disease associated with chronic musculoskeletal conditions is all too clear. ‘Models of Care’ represent one approach to respond to this burden since they provide an effective strategy to improve health service planning and delivery and a team of Australian researchers, in partnership with the Global Alliance for Musculoskeletal Health, has developed the first internationally-informed framework for developing and evaluating musculoskeletal Models of Care. The Framework was informed by experts from 30 nations including representatives of the Royal College of Chiropractors’ Health Policy Unit, Mark Gurden FRCC and Jonathan Field FRCC.Full details are here: http://bjdonline.org/a-framework-to-evaluate-musculoskeletal-models-of-care/

Public consultation on new Chronic Pain Quality Standard

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Public consultation on new Chronic Pain Quality Standard

The RCC is currently consulting on a new Chronic Pain Quality Standard and invites the views of chiropractors, chiropractic organisations, patients and the public on any aspect of the document including its relevance and applicability to the chiropractic profession, the achievability of the standards described in the quality statements, the utility of the quality statements in terms of promoting best care, the document’s accuracy and validity in terms of the evidence base and the clarity of the content to practitioners, patients and other stakeholders. Please click here for details.

NICE revised (draft) guidance recommends package of care typically provided by chiropractors

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NICE revised (draft) guidance recommends package of care typically provided by chiropractors

For low back pain, with or without sciatica, NICE revised (draft) guidance recommends risk stratification and a multimodal treatment package comprising exercise alongside at least one of:

– Self management
– Manual therapy [manipulation, mobilisation or soft tissue techniques (for example, massage)]
– Psychological therapy (for example, cognitive behavioural therapy)
 
It is noted that mobilisation and soft tissue techniques are performed by a wide variety of practitioners; whereas manipulation is usually performed by chiropractors or osteopaths, and by doctors or physiotherapists who have undergone additional training in manipulation. Manual therapists often combine a range of techniques in their approach and may also include exercise interventions and advice about self-management.
 

Call for applications for PhD studentship matched-funding

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Call for applications for PhD studentship matched-funding

Applications are invited from UK Higher Education Institutions for studentship funding, commencing at the start of the 2016/17 academic year, and will be considered in a range of priority areas identified by the RCC. The RCC will award 50% of the cost of a full-time three-year studentship with the remaining 50% to be provided by the Higher Education Institution and/or other grant-awarding body. Priority will be given to collaborative ventures between chiropractic and non-chiropractic institutions. Full details here.