3103.0: Monday, October 22, 2001 - 2:30 PM

Abstract #26891

Multidisciplinary collaboration and scientific integration: Role and progress of the Consortial Center for Chiropractic Research

William Meeker, DC, MPH1, Cheryl Hawk, DC, PhD1, Cynthia Long, PhD1, Gert Bronfort, DC, PhD2, Gregory Cramer, DC, PhD3, Joel Pickar, DC, PhD1, Alan Adams, DC4, Maria Hondras, DC, MPH5, and Mitchell Haas, DC, MA6. (1) Palmer Center for Chiropractic Research, 741 Brady Street, Davenport, IA 52803, 319-884-5162, meeker_b@palmer.edu, (2) Northwestern University of Health Science, Bloomington, MN, (3) National University of Health Sciences, Lombard, IL, (4) Southern California University of Health Sciences, Whittier, CA, (5) Warrenville, IL, (6) Western States Chiropractic College, Portland, OR

The Consortial Center for Chiropractic Research (CCCR) was established in 1997 by the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM), with the goal of developing a scientific infrastructure to evaluate the efficacy and safety of chiropractic care. The CCCR was designed to be multidisciplinary and collaborative in order to more effectively address its 12 specific aims. In the past three years, investigators in the consortium of 10 chiropractic colleges and state-supported universities have designed, evaluated and implemented 10 basic science and clinical research projects, co-sponsored (with the Health Resources and Services Administration) three major research agenda setting conferences developing the skills of chiropractic researchers, advanced the aims of the Cochrane Collaboration, assisted novice researchers in a clinical trial methods workshop, established scientific cores in data management and practice-based research, and published 40 papers and citable abstracts. CCCR investigators have sought to include multidisciplinary collaborations in all efforts to enhance scientific quality and feasibility, to demonstrate the depth and value of chiropractic research, and to establish professional scientific relationships worthy of an ever-growing level of respect and support from the scientific community and major funding agencies. As a result, there has been significant growth and success in research efforts by CCCR investigators including funding for at least two sizable randomized clinical trials, a coordinated approach to basic neuroscience and bioengineering studies on spinal manipulation, an award for research facilities renovation, and at least 15 pending grant applications. See www.c3r.org

Learning Objectives: 1. Describe the scientific progress of the Consortial Center for Chiropractic Research. 2. Discuss the value and the effect of developing scientific collaborations for an evolving research effort.

Keywords: Chiropractic, Research

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.

The 129th Annual Meeting of APHA