A few days ago Move Forward, the APTA’s consumer targeted website, posted a podcast. The premise was inaccurate, and the conclusions appeared potentially damaging for patients and the general public. I posted a link to the original Facebook post with a brief statement of my disagreement. Via Twitter and Facebook other physical therapists expressed their disappointment with podcast.
Historically, Move Forward has published accurate and useful information for patients and consumers including a podcast with Joe Brence and John Ware on Understanding Pain, a post 9 Things You Should Know About Pain, and publicity regarding Choosing Wisely: 5 Things PT’s and Patients Should Question. Yesterday afternoon, Jason Bellamy APTA’s director of web and new media, removed the podcast from the Move Forward website as well as deleted all related Facebook posts.
I commend the decisive action by Jason and the APTA. I agree with decision. And further, I’m encouraged by their ability to respond to informal feedback via the conversations occurring on social media. Personally, I participated in a panel at #CSM2014 The Value of Using Twitter for Branding Yourself and the Profession, and was highly impressed with Jason’s commitment to engagement. Jason stressed that he and others at the APTA are “listening” to the conversations, discussions, and informal feedback ocurring in the realm of social medical (even if just lurking). But, he also encouraged members to actively contact the APTA with suggestions, feedback, and insight. They want to hear from concerned members. And, apparently, they are willing to act on those intentions.
The APTA listens, so speak up. Becoming a member is a start. Using your voice is next. What do you have to say?
Kudos to you, Kyle, for bringing this podcast to my, and I’m sure others’, attention. As reimbursement continues to shrink, the pressure is only going to mount on therapists to incorporate dubious rationales into their clinical reasoning process in order to justify adding another “tool to the toolbox”. We have to remain focused on establishing the value of what we do based on firm scientific principles. The allure of empiricism followed by post hoc storytelling about mechanisms, which is what I heard in that podcast, must be resisted if we want to be respected in the science and medical communities.