Whiplash Associated Disorder (WAD) Training Pack

Consensus was the key message at the launch of a new training pack, designed to help doctors and other health care professionals diagnose, treat and advise people with whiplash neck injuries and associated problems.

The Association of British Insurers are sponsoring the pack, which was developed by the Universities of Manchester and Southampton. Speaking at the launch, Jo Dagustun, the ABI's Head of Motor Insurance, stated that insurers have a responsibility to ensure that whiplash injuries are effectively treated when they occur, and therefore need to work closely with health professionals in ensuring patients receive the best possible care based on the latest research evidence.

An advice booklet for patients entitled 'The Whiplash Book' has also been developed and incorporated into the training pack. This is the work of the Spinal Research Unit (University of Huddersfield) led by Professor Gordon Waddell, who were also responsible for 'The Back Book', the highly successful patient booklet now widely used in the management of low back pain. 'The Whiplash book' is based on the biopsychosocial model, emphasising that Whiplash Associated Disorder (WAD) is a physical injury with a definite biological component, but that it needs to be seen as existing within a psychosocial context that will have a major impact upon outcome.

Claire Small, from the Manipulation Association of Chartered Physiotherapists, and Vicki Harding from the Physiotherapy Pain Association, attended on behalf of the CSP. Both felt the training pack to be an extremely positive and crucial step towards ensuring that patients receive an accurate diagnosis, appropriate treatment and early advice on management, thus attempting to prevent chronic problems of pain and disability developing. For this reason, they would also like to see the pack and booklet being taken up by GPs and Occupational Health Departments.

The training pack is to be used initially within hospital Emergency Departments. Physiotherapists interested in learning more about WAD, or in being actively involved in ensuring good continuity of care in it's management, should contact their Emergency Department to discuss their inclusion in the training scheme. The importance of consistent advice and information being provided to patients by all health professionals is emphasised strongly throughout the training pack.

The Whiplash Book is published by The Stationary Office (ISNB 0-11-702029-X) Corporate site: www.thestationeryoffice.com and is available @ £2.50 for single copies from the Online Bookstore: www.clicktso.com

Bulk prices are available for health care organisations and health care professionals. For these contact:
richard.middleton@theso.co.uk tel: 01603 695536

The training pack is available from the ABI via Malcolm Tarling, tel. 0207 216 7410 (mobile 07776 147667)