INVESTIGATIVE CHALLENGES OF IMPORTANCE TO BE UNDERTAKEN IN THE LONGER TERM

In the longer term research should be focussed on the development and evaluation of:

Demonstration models with different configurations of health professionals with contrasting arrangement of access, referral and team function, accompanied by formal evaluation of their impact, particularly among WAD patients in a chronic phase.

Demonstration models of alternate methods of reimbursement to health professionals and compensation for patients. The models should enable assessment of formulae linked to results rather than process and should include incentives for good outcomes, without penalizing patients who have intrinsic or unavoidable poor prognosis. All modalities should be eligible for evaluation including capitation and salaried reimbursement arrangements.

Demonstration models of new curricular components oriented to WAD and related principles of the treatment of musculoskeletal conditions.

In the long term, research must evaluate the effectiveness of headrests, seat belts and other automotive engineering strategies in preventing WAD. In addition, research must address the pathophysiology of WAD, particularly with the goal of understanding the evolution of WAD.