RCS research proposal wins IRB approval

Research & Clinical Science (RCS), a private-sector research company engaged in chiropractic health outcomes research, has been granted approval by an Institutional Review Board (IRB) in compliance with US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) guidelines.

Under FDA rules, all biomedical research involving human subjects must be reviewed by a formally designated IRB which has the authority to approve, require modifications in, or disapprove research. Each IRB is an independent panel made up of medical, scientific, and non-scientific members who review and evaluate the research protocol, methods, materials, and ethics of research proposals. It is the IRB’s responsibility to ensure the protection of the rights, safety, and well-being of human subjects involved in research projects such as the one being conducted by RCS.

The IRB conducted a detailed review of RCS’ “Health Outcomes Study of Chiropractic” research proposal, including its hypothesis and data collection protocol, volunteer recruitment and informed consent procedures, and financial arrangements between RCS and the lead researchers.

“We are extremely pleased with the results of the IRB review,” stated David A. Jackson, DC, the company’s co-founder and CEO. “Not only did we receive complete approval, but several members of the IRB committee said they were excited about the research we are doing.” The IRB committee was comprised primarily of medical professionals and researchers, who are often biased against chiropractic, he added.

In explaining the project to the IRB, RCS President Robert Blanks, PhD, detailed the purpose and protocol of the research: “Public health surveillance strategies will be employed to sample: 1) incidence of clinical sign (vertebral subluxation), 2) primary and secondary benefits of chiropractic, 3) optimal duration and frequency of care, 4) health conditions benefited by chiropractic, and 5) effects of age, sex, ethnicity and prior existing conditions,” he wrote in the formal proposal. “This comprehensive program permits a comparison of health outcomes and cost-effectiveness across and between (co-therapies) health disciplines. These strategies will ultimately improve the quality of health care service delivery, radically advancing the evidence-based documentation of the fields under study, and promote the re-establishment of a rational, information technology-based, national health policy.”

Doctors who join RCS receive all the materials and equipment – including a PC tablet computer and portable server – needed to recruit volunteers and collect data. In addition to contributing to the research effort, they can significantly increase their practice volume since many volunteers, after learning about chiropractic through their research involvement, choose to receive chiropractic care as paying patients. It is estimated that most RCS Research Sites will generate between 10 and 25 new patients each month. The entire program can be leased for as little as $400/month.

For a no-obligation information packet about the RCS program or for an application to become an RCS Authorized Research Site, contact RCS at 800-909-1354 or 480-303-1694 or visit www.rcsprogram.com.