Simon:
I would submit that the only way to know "it works" is by doing the research.
While some treatments may have little risk of direct harm there are other
reasons that should concern us about the use of unproven and placebo
interventions. What about the delay in getting treatment that has evidence to
support its effectiveness? How many people have conditions that deteriorate and
require more treatment etc. because they did not receive treatment based on the
best available research? What of the cost to the patient and the health care
system of such an approach? What of the damage to the profession when society
looks at such interventions and decides that if PTs won't do and/or apply the
research then it won't pay for PT at all.
I wonder if the PTs who pooh pooh EBP would think it would be acceptable to them
for their surgeon, cardiologist or oncologist to have the same opinion of EBP.
My suspicion would be that those PTs would be reading all available research on
their condition and expecting their physician to practice EBP.
"Mesner, Simon" wrote:
> This is an incredible subject. It is one where there will be no conclusive
> answer or philosophy that every one can get a handle on.
>
> Recent postings have alluded to practitioners attempting to make use of
> belief as a basis for treatment. This is a technique as old as man kind.
> Some respondents have rubbished this type of approach and stated that the
> practitioner should be basing their approach on evidence (best available).
> Others advocate the 'if it works use it (as long as it is not dangerous) and
> wait for evidence base confirmation'. I could go on.
>
<snip>
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Douglas M. White, PT, OCS
Physical Therapist, Consultant
191 Blue Hills Parkway
Milton, MA USA 02186
P: 617.696.1974
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http://DouglasWhite.tripod.com
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