Response from “The Superhero” who is all about evidence based practice.
You may remember him from this blog post on physio philosophy..
It is a direct reply to yesterday’s guest blog on physio marketing.
He argues for us all to stop following influencers and take a more evidence based approach towards patient management.
To my fellow physiotherapists,
In light of the recently published article “Physio Marketing: start with one simple mindset switch”, accentuating the significance of personal marketing and self-promotion in physiotherapy, it is imperative that we recenter our attention on the primary objective of our profession: clinical outcomes and evidence-based practice.
While marketing has its place, we must not undermine the ethical principles upon which our practice is founded.
Moreover, it is particularly disconcerting to observe The Sleazy Salesman employing the term “client” in reference to those we serve.
It is imperative to remember that we are not mere hairdressers; rather, we are healthcare professionals with specialised expertise and knowledge.
The individuals who seek our assistance should be referred to as “patients” and must not be regarded as mere commodities.
As healthcare providers, our foremost responsibility is to our patients and their well-being. It is crucial that we prioritise the delivery of effective, research-backed treatments over any personal or financial gain.
In our pursuit of excellence, we must adhere to the highest standards of integrity and professionalism.
We must ensure that our decisions are guided by empirical evidence and the best interests of those we serve.
Taking an evidence based practice to healthcare
Numerous studies have demonstrated the efficacy of evidence based practice in enhancing patient outcomes and satisfaction.
Research by Kamper et al. (2012) demonstrates that incorporating evidence based guidelines into clinical decision-making leads to improved patient outcomes and a reduction in healthcare costs.
Similarly, a meta-analysis by Lizarondo et al. (2016) revealed that evidence based practice not only improves patient outcomes but also boosts the professional development of clinicians.
In this era of rapid information dissemination and commercialisation, it is easy to be swayed by the allure of marketing and self-promotion.
Individuals akin to The Sleazy Salesman ostentatiously display their so-called ‘thought leadership’ on social media platforms.
To such individuals, I would assert the following: if one genuinely aspires to spearhead the profession, obtaining post-graduate qualifications is a fundamental prerequisite. Subsequently, we may engage in a substantive, scholarly discourse.
In fact, pursuing a doctorate degree and making a tangible, academic contribution to our field represents the paramount approach to effecting meaningful change.
It is those who operate at this elevated level who truly make a significant impact.
As healthcare professionals, we must exercise caution and discernment in the face of the temptation to be an influencer.
Our primary allegiance is to our patients and the advancement of our discipline through rigorous, evidence-based practice.
It is essential that we remain steadfast in our commitment to the principles of our profession, even as we navigate the evolving landscape of healthcare.
By prioritising patient care and grounding our practice in empirical evidence, we can uphold the integrity of our profession and ensure that we continue to serve our patients with the highest standards of excellence.
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