As many of you know I have been an advocate of chiropractic research for many years. As long as a decade or more ago I was pushing for the development of practice based research networks (PBRN) and central data repositories to collect data from these networks.

From both within and outside of the profession there were incredible obstacles that stood in the way of such developments. Thankfully a couple of other groups within the profession also saw the urgent need and the potential of developing such initiatives.

One of those is of course the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA). They have become leaders in practice based research for the chiropractic profession. And the best part is that they are doing research that matters and research that directly benefits the patients we serve and the profession as a whole. Since time is of the essence we should be thankful that they have stepped up to the plate in a big way. 

Their landmark study on safety and efficacy of chiropractic pediatric care is now routinely used to address questions on these issues from the public, media and research communities.

**Alcantara, J, Ohm, J. The safety and effectiveness of pediatric chiropractic: results from a practice-based research network. European Chiropractic Union Annual Convention May 2008 Brussels Belgium

Now they are taking it a step further and have designed a prospective study to address the issue of safety. As with the first study this one has been approved by the Institutional Review Board of Life University and has the potential to be another groundbreaking study. If you care for children in your practice – the question is not whether you should participate but rather how many of your fellow chiropractors you are going to recruit to participate.

This is a no brainer – the effort required on your part is miniscule and you should feel eternal guilt if you do not participate. Don’t even pretend that you have an excuse if you care for a single child in your practice. In fact do it right now by clicking here.

Below is the press release from Dr. Jeanne Ohm and the ICPA announcing the launch of this historic project.

As always I look forward to your feedback, comments and suggestions.

Matthew McCoy DC, MPH
matthewmccoy@comcast.net
Editor – Journal of Pediatric, Maternal and Family Health – Chiropractic
http://www.chiropracticpediatricresearch,net

For Immediate Release: 
ICPA Asks: Is Chiropractic Safe for Children?

Contact: Jeanne Ohm
ICPA Executive Director
610-565-2360
                                                                                                                                        
The International Chiropractic Pediatric Association has launched it’s Practiced Based Research Network Phase II: Children’s Safety.

All licensed chiropractors who see children are invited to participate!

The ICPA formed the largest most successful Practiced Based Research Network (PBRN) in 2007. Chiropractors responded enthusiastically with practice data to the ICPA/ PBRN Phase I: Children’s Safety.  Phase I was a collection of retrospective data from both doctors and parents. In over 10,000 visits, only a handful of children were recorded as having minor discomfort or fussiness post adjustment. Even more exciting was the unanticipated improvements reported above and beyond their initial reason for care. Parents recorded improvements in their children’s sleep, behavior and attitude.

The current project: Children’s Safety Phase II is a prospective study and the ICPA anticipates unprecedented participation from chiropractors and parents. Both studies received IRB approval from Life University. Results from Phase I have been accepted for publication in a prestigious biomedical journal.  Doctor registration to participate in Phase II is now up and running.

Dr. Ohm concludes: “What makes a PBRN so unique and valuable in research is its ability to tap into the real world of practice and into the actual experiences of patients. Therefore, the results shed light on what we are really accomplishing in chiropractic. As practitioners, we have known chiropractic care is safe for children for at least 100 years. It is now time we document this safety so the unsubstantiated claims by the press, the insurance companies and doubtful providers can be put to rest.  I am asking each and every one of you to participate in this simple process—now is the time and this is the place: http://www.icpa4kids.com/research/CP_PBRN.htm