Research, the therapist and the patient

Increasingly, demands are made of and by PAMs (Professions Allied to Medicine) for efficient, effective client-orientated care and for evidence to substantiate practices and claims; evidence which can be obtained through rigorous research and through regular and thorough audit of daily practice. The majority of these professions are now building increasingly solid foundations on which to base their practice. Philosophical issues about research methodology (questions, designs and tools) and the role of the client, policy issues concerning ways in which demands for evidence-based practice can be met and practical issues about dissemination, implementation and finance are discussed. It is concluded that PAMs are increasingly aware of the need for research and that more and better work is being carried out; however, there are still problems (not exclusive to the PAMs) with respect to dissemination and implementation of findings.