Chiropractors are required to practise evidence based care, which is defined as the integration of best research, clinical expertise and patient values.
When they advertise their services, however, any claims chiropractors make must be based on best research only. For the purposes of the Advertising Standards Authority, the Committee of Advertising Practice (CAP) and Trading Standards, best research means it should be of the highest standard. In most cases this will almost certainly mean randomised controlled trials.
The report of the review of the best research evidence for known claims made by chiropractors across a wide range of conditions was commissioned by the GCC. This provides a source of guidance for chiropractors who advertise. For ease of reference, the evidence summary tables can be accessed directly. Professor Scott Haldeman and Professor Martin Underwood have provided commentaries on the report.
The report includes reference to relevant European Guidelines and publications by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE).
The report has been brought to the attention of the CAP Copy Advice Team. Their initial view, subject to detailed consideration of the report, is that potentially it could be helpful in reviewing their Health and Beauty Products Advice Note and support consistency in advice provided by their free service.
A copy of the report will be sent direct to all GCC registrants in the next week or so.
http://www.gcc-uk.org/page.cfm?page_id=1396
