Grant: Team Grant: Strategic Teams in Applied Injury Research - Full application

High velocity/low amplitude (HVLA) spinal manipulation, a non-invasive manual procedure applied to specific body tissues with therapeutic intent, is the most common complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) practice in North America. Manipulation is most commonly provided by chiropractors although it is also provided by physiotherapists, physicians and osteopaths. At present, there is no formal reporting mechanism to document adverse events associated with HVLA manipulation. The study team aims to create a culture of safety around manipulation by developing instruments that practitioners can use to record and report adverse events. Volunteer community-based manipulation providers will pilot these tools through active surveillance with the goal of implementing the refined tools into the routine practice of manipulation providers. The ultimate goal of this team grant is to develop, pilot, evaluate and support a culture of safety for regulated professionals (chiropractors, physicians, physical therapists and osteopaths) who provide SMT in Alberta and Ontario. Our partners will not only help disseminate findings, they will apply the research findings to inform policies, programs and practice through their provincial regulatory responsibilities, and their strong ties with national associations and educational colleges.