Research and the IFPA

The IFPA encourages and supports a research focus within its membership. Members are encouraged to be/become evidenced based practitioners making full use of the latest evidence and currently available research. Research is an integral part of an IFPA accredited course. Download the research and audit unit recommended by IFPA to develop a focus of evidence based practice.

How you can help

If you have undertaken a research project as part of your course work please share it with other members by submitting it for publication in ‘In Essence’.

Future Plans

A searchable database for case studies is planned. If anyone has experience of setting up a similar database, and would be willing to help, please contact the office. Whilst single case studies on their own are not deemed ‘research’ an accumulation of such case studies could be classed as pilot research and evidence based practice. Once the database is set up members will be asked to contribute their case studies. A pro forma will be available for downloading.

Adverse Reaction Reporting

A copy of the Adverse Reaction Form is available and members are reminded that it is important that such events are reported. A summary of all reports will be published.

Low-Back Pain and CAM

Low-back pain is a common condition that can be difficult to treat. Spinal manipulation, acupuncture, and massage are among the complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) approaches used by people with low-back pain. Research on CAM for low-back pain has produced promising results for some CAM therapists. However, evidence is still limited for most therapies, and additional research is needed. This issue of NCCAM Clinical Digest summarises the current scientific knowledge about the effects of some of the CAM approaches that people use for low-back pain, including spinal manipulation, acupuncture, massage and other CAM therapies.