Committing to an EPIC Future by Professor Richard Brown

Committing to an EPIC Future

Healthcare is constantly evolving. Advances in technology, enhanced diagnostic capability and improvements in the way that killer diseases are tackled through vaccination, antibiotics and other public health measures, have led to a drop in child and maternal mortality and an increase in life expectancy in almost every nation on the planet.

Despite people living longer, there is evidence that people are not experiencing a corresponding increase in healthy life years. Low back pain alone is the greatest cause of years lived with disability on the planet. Social isolation and loneliness are driving surges in mental health issues. Frailty and balance problems give rise to falls and fractures.

In the midst of the global health crisis in the UK and beyond, ever more informed patients are demanding non-drug, non-surgical healthcare. They are seeking natural approaches that incorporate nutrition, lifestyle and manual medicine. They demand shared decision making and care delivered in their communities.

The public is after care that is evidence-based, people-centred, interprofessional and collaborative - or EPIC for short. This professorial lecture will describe how a commitment to the EPIC pillars will see chiropractors flourish and be key contributors to happier, healthier and more active lives.Professor Brown's lecture will explore the benefits of evidence-based, people-centred, interprofessional and collaborative health care to patients – particularly within the context of treating low back pain, which is the greatest cause of years lived with disability globally.