Editorial

Stan Innes BAppSc(Chiro), BA(Hons), Mpsych.

The year has sped quickly by and the conference is just around the corner. I look forward to some fresh input and a chance to catch up with what is happening Australia and worldwide.

This issue of COCA news has a broad spectrum of issues and topics. There are several recently published studies that warrant a considered response. Some of the others probably deserve more space and time but can only be mentioned briefly. Time is an issue for those capable of critically appraising papers such as the Cote et al paper, so we have to rely on sourcing responses from outside Australia.

As usual I have tried not to limit the material to a “pro chiropractic or osteopathic” stance. It has long been a personal belief that we must have the integrity to address legitimate questions or concerns raised by research for our professions to continue to deepen a foothold in the broader health care delivery system. To rely only on the “we know it works because we have seen it work” is grossly inadequate in a community that is increasingly evidenced based. Two approaches reviewed in this edition of COCA news, the ongoing SPORT study and the recently updated JMPT study of Sarnat and Winterstein, point to legitimate efforts to validate the efficacy of two contrasting treatments.

My congratulations to the COCA executive on the recent signing of the agreement between The College of Chiropractors and the Chiropractic & Osteopathic College of Australasia (COCA) enabling both organisations automatic entitlement to Overseas Affiliate Membership. The full ranges of benefits are outlined in detail. COCA continues to strive to provide members with valuable resources. Another example is the RACGP John Murtagh Library resources. Jane Ryan from the RCGP has kindly written a review of the resources available for COCA members. These include e-books, e-journals, and audio downloads to mention only a few.

So sit back, relax, grab a cup of anti-oxidant rich coffee and enjoy the read. Remember, feel free to send feedback, sites or articles of interest or even better, put fingers to the keyboard and send some material my way of your own making.