Why is FCER becoming so visible? The answer is simple. We firmly believe that carefully planned, high quality research can help to institute positive change in the chiropractic profession and its place in the health care system. To bring about this change, information must be aggressively and responsibly taken to the public, decision makers, and members of the chiropractic profession.
The strategic plan set forth by FCER's board of trustees directs us to evaluate chiropractic as a primary care profession via research, dissemination of the results of that research, and fostering research within the chiropractic colleges. This is a profound change of direction for the Foundation, but a necessary one for the future of the chiropractic profession.
What will not change is FCER's dedication to funding the finest scientific research and its commitment to the exceptional research community that exists within the chiropractic environment. You will however see bold new directions in the type of research that FCER funds. Besides the clinical trials and studies of chiropractic efficacy for which the Foundation has earned its reputation, we are forging into new areas of study: evaluating the readiness of chiropractic to assume primary care responsibilities; cost effectiveness; and examining applications for chiropractic that reach beyond the neuromusculoskeletal system, like dysmenorrhea, carpal tunnel syndrome, and infantile colic.
The role of FCER's director of research is also changing. Far from being office-bound, Anthony Rosner, PhD, has travelled recently to met with researchers in London, Prague, and Milan to discuss seeking new sources of information about chiropractic and new approaches to the research that is taking place.
Another source of valuable information has been field doctors like Elliott Grusky, DC, in Florida. Dr. Grusky's successful use of chiropractic management of otitis media in conjunction with a pediatrician has attracted FCER's attention. Trips to New York and Wisconsin have uncovered similar success stories. With Dr. Rosner's guidance, carefully documented anecdotal evidence may lead to publication and eventual scientific evaluation of chiropractic treatment of a number of conditions.
Dr. Rosner has helped to raise awareness of chiropractic within the federal health care system with his involvement with the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Office of Alternative Medicine. At the Unconventional Medical Practices Workshop, he was appointed co-chair of the Structural and Energetic Therapies Committee, a position that he continues to hold.
Reed Phillips, DC, PhD, represented FCER as a spokesperson for the chiropractic profession in his public testimony before the Advisory Board for the National Center for Medical Rehabilitation Research of the National Institute of Child Health Human Development. FCER's presence was also felt by the Agency for Health Care Policy and Research, a division of the Department of Health and Human Services. FCER President George McClelland, DC, made a strong case for chiropractic at its public meeting on Clinical Practice Guidelines for Low-Back Problems.
Through efforts of this kind, lasting relationships are being formed that will help to ensure chiropractic's continued role in the federal health care system. By recently joining the Consortium for Chiropractic Research, we hope to display a unified chiropractic research community to the federal government.
Pending changes in the health care system and more visibility form the chiropractic profession have generated new interest in chiropractic by the mainstream press. FCER is becoming a valued source of unbiased and accurate information for the news media. Among those who have relied on us are the "CBS News," Mademoiselle, Back Pain Monitor, and others.
As the amount of positive press grows, it is inevitable that some negative reports will surface. FCER is quick to take this opportunity to correct any errors and establish sound relationships with the media based on education.
New pamphlets, booklets, posters, published studies, even videotapes designed to educate patients, doctors, and policy makers, are constantly being introduced by FCER. These educational pieces do not rely solely on FCER-funded research, but draw from all valid research currently available. They present chiropractic as a primary care profession that is grounded in science and in research in a dynamic and easily understood format.
With the help of FCER's booklet, Chiropractic: A Primary Gatekeeper, New Jersey chiropractors have secured primary care status. Following Florida's recent battle for primary care status, the Florida Chiropractic Association Journal gave this endorsement: "FCA is aggressively using these same FCER materials (as were used in New Jersey) with Florida's decision makers. As this Journal goes to press, we can now advise you that the FCA scored a primary care victory in recent health care reform legislation."
The hard, cold fact is that the kind of research that the profession needs to survive in today's volatile health care environment is expensive. In addition to a desire to help direct and support the chiropractic profession, economics have driven the Foundation to an increased reliance on profitable educational programs.
Recognizing that most doctors were unable to access much of the current research published, FCER made its Literature Search program available. Doctors need only request a search on a given topic and they can receive a listing of all published research on that subject, frequently with abstracts. The cost is minimal. FCER's new membership program offers doctors a strong benefits package.
FCER's new visibility has drawn the attention of at least one member of the private sector, the National Chiropractic Mutual Insurance Company (NCMIC). Substantial contribution from this organization have already funded a study with the RAND Corporation to assess patient adherence. Additional funding from NCMIC will allow for research examining applications for chiropractic.
The revenue generated from these programs, combined with the generous donations of individuals and organizations, will help FCER to continue its long-standing commitment to the chiropractic profession through research grants, fellowships, and research residencies. This will also help to attain the Foundation's goal to build the research capacity within the chiropractic profession.
FCER's more pro-active stance will help it to achieve its goals of using research to evaluate chiropractic as a primary care profession, disseminate information, and foster the research capacity within the chiropractic colleges. In his way the Foundation can help the chiropractic profession flourish in a threatening health care system.
Mary Johnson
FCER Director of Communications