The World Health Organization has appointed Professor Jan Hartvigsen, DC, PhD, as WHO consultant "to assist with preparations for a proposal" on the upcoming WHO Guideline for the Management of Low Back Pain.
Dr. Hartvigsen is a full professor and head of the research unit, Department of Sports Science and Clinical Biomechanics, University of Southern Denmark; senior researcher at the Nordic Institute of Chiropractic and Clinical Biomechanics; and former member of the World Federation of Chiropractic Research Committee.
- Authoring a background paper
- Formulating questions that should be addressed in the guideline
- Defining outcomes that will be considered and addressed in the guideline
- Suggesting / participating in the composition of both a guideline development group and an advisory group
- Participating in meetings with WHO staff and sponsors regarding the guideline
- Making academic contacts who can assist in systematic reviews and meta-analyses
"I am absolutely delighted to be working with the very dedicated WHO staff in preparing the proposal and establishing working groups for the WHO Guideline for the Management of Low Back Pain," said Dr. Hartvigsen in the WFC's article.
The WHO anticipates that the proposal will be completed by the end of 2020, with work on the guideline expected to begin in early 2020 and continue for 3-4 years – the time required to perform systematic review and analysis of all relevant research and formulate the official guidelines. It is unknown what role Dr. Hartvigsen will play beyond his initial role in completing the proposal, but he hopes to continue his involvement in this important process. Stay tuned.
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