The Importance of Research
As I progress in my program I realize just how important research is in our profession. Research helps to guide what is taught in our classes, how we practice in clinics, and how we receive reimbursement. Research is used in so many avenues of the PT profession, however, it has been brought to my attention that there is a significant lack in quality research.
Not only is there a lack of information available concerning the benefits of certain things that we use in practice, but in areas where there is research there is either no conclusive evidence asserting its benefits or the studies were poorly done. Then in some areas there is so much conflicting research that is hard to know what really works and how it works versus what we think works. For example, between the information that I learned while attending a MCW symposium in 2007, what I have learned in 2 different PT classes, and what I learned during the course "Stretching the Truth" at the WPTA Fall 2008 conference, I have received conflicting information regarding the benefits stretching. There is a multitude of research regarding this matter, but much of it conflicts each other.
So how does one come to a conclusion about what to do? To be honest I think some just base it off of whether they feel as though it works or not. Even in this area that has been frequently researched, there is no definitive answer on what should be done-partially because the quality of the research is compromised. In this case more comprehensive research needs to be done that is of high quality (Randomized Control Trials or higher). This also needs to be done with most of the biophysical technologies (modalities) that are used. For example there is lacking quality research in the use of ultrasound to promote healing using non-thermal effects, yet it is often used and is also reimbursed by insurance companies. Interestingly, low laser therapy has quality research backing its use in RA, OA and chronic disorders to reduce pain, yet it is often not used or reimbursed. It baffles me as to why this is that in one area where there is actual sufficient evidence available its use is limited, but something that is not supported is used.
With all of this, I was just wondering for those reading, how do you determine what you will use in your treatment plans and do you keep yourself updated on the research related to the things that you use?