The College of Chiropractors of British Columbia (CCBC) have entered into a research collaboration agreement with Ontario Tech University (Ontario Tech). Under the direction of Ontario Tech’s Canada Research Chair in Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation, Professor Pierre Côté, this partnership will produce independent research reviews of literature to inform the CCBC with the implementation of evidenced-based regulation. Through this partnership, the CCBC has gained a new tool to assist with identifying risks to the public and mitigating them in an appropriate manner.
This collaboration is the culmination of many months of work by Ontario Tech and the CCBC and is the first of its kind in Canada with a chiropractic regulator. In 2018, the CCBC Board identified a need to secure credible, independent research to inform policy decisions and guide regulatory action. CCBC is pleased that, over the next twelve months, researchers at Ontario Tech will generate rapid reviews of the literature based on the CCBC’s regulatory needs.
Ontario Tech completed the first research review in September on types and frequency of adverse events in children under 10 years of age who have been treated with spinal manipulative therapy. This independent work contributed to the CCBC’s review into this topic.
“The potential of this collaboration is significant,” says Michelle Da Roza, Registrar of the CCBC. “We are excited that the outcomes from this project will directly impact the safety of British Columbians and has the ability to further influence regulatory outcomes both nationally and internationally.”
“The public and patients are best protected when regulatory colleges inform their regulations with the best scientific evidence about the safety and effectiveness of treatments,” says Professor Pierre Côté. “The CCBC is taking a leadership role in Canada in ensuring the that scientific evidence is used to protect the public.”
The reviews produced through this collaboration will be published and made available to the public. Both Ontario Tech and the CCBC acknowledge the importance of sharing this information with governments, regulators, and health care professionals where it has the potential to enhance patient safety and promote positive health outcomes nationally and internationally.
College of Chiropractors of British Columbia
The CCBC is one of 20 BC health profession regulators established under the Health Professions Act to regulate the chiropractic profession in the public interest. Colleges are responsible for setting and enforcing the standards, or rules, of their professions. The CCBC’s legislated mandate is to serve and protect the public. Each college responds to complaints from patients, the public and other health care providers. Colleges take action if a health professional’s practice is unsafe or unethical.
Ontario Tech University
A modern, forwarding-thinking university, Ontario Tech advances the discovery and application of knowledge to accelerate economic growth, regional development and social innovation. We inspire and equip our students and our graduates to make a positive impact in a tech-focused world. For us, it’s not only about developing the next tech breakthrough. Understanding and integrating the social and ethical implications of technology differentiates us as university. Learn more at ontariotechu.ca