UQ whiplash website to empower consumers

An innovative new website is set to offer an invaluable resource for whiplash patients around the globe. The whiplash website, the first of its kind in the world, will deliver targeted information for whiplash related injury.

The University of Queensland’s Centre of National Research on Disability and Rehabilitation Medicine (CONROD) and NMHRC Centre of Clinical Research Excellence in Spinal Pain, Injury and Health (CCRE Spine) have combined resources to establish the site with the aim of providing evidence based information to consumers and practitioners about whiplash and its management.

The team’s Chief Investigator, Dr Michele Sterling, is excited about the unique opportunities available.

“This is the first consumer based information site for people with whiplash,” she said.

“That’s important because a significant proportion of injured people go onto to have persisting pain and disability and while there are a plethora of treatments available, we have synthesized the evidence in a consumer friendly way.”

Whiplash injuries from motor vehicle accidents, although common, remain a poorly understood problem.

Recent Australian data indicate that up to 60 percent of people may still experience some pain six months after their injury.

Investigations have uncovered a lack of educational resources for people with these types of concerns and, as a result, the whiplash research team has spent many months developing a relevant source of support.

“We are aiming to provide unbiased evidence based information to assist people to make decisions throughout their recovery process,” Dr Sterling said.

“The site will be regularly updated by our researchers and publishing this material online enables patients and practitioners alike to capitalize on the outcomes of our research in a private and confidential setting.”

The official launch of the site will be held in the E.S. Meyers Lecture Theatre, Level 2, Mayne Medical School, Herston Road, Herston, on Friday 28 March starting at 12.30pm.

The website address is: www.som.uq.edu.au/whiplash

Media: Daniel Hobbs on 0400 531 837