Complement Ther Nurs Midwifery. 2002 Nov; 8(4): 185-90.

Working in partnership to develop evidence-based practice within the massage profession.

Stuttard P.

Department of Nursing, Greenbank Building, University of Central Lancashire, Preston, PR1 2HE, UK.

In view of changing policy and recommendation for complementary medicine, the moves towards regulatory mechanisms and an evidence base for practice, there is a need to establish the extent to which this is happening within professions and identify away forward that will benefit the individuals and organisations involved. This paper outlines the views and opinions of professional masseurs at the Northern Institute of Massage in the North of England and discusses how such a professional organisation for massage can work in partnership with Higher Education to develop a stronger evidence base for practice. The study concludes that a significant number of practitioners of the Northern Institute are aware of the need for an evidence base for practice but need to be supported in finding, reading and applying research findings to their practice. A partnership between professional organisations for massage and higher education can benefit both parties and help to facilitate change for the future.