About us
Our commitment We are consultants, health professionals, and clinical scientists. Our aim is always to provide the latest and best scientific advice. Where relevant this is appropriately referenced. In addition, you can download PDF copies of many of our scientific reports.

Developed and researched information for employers, clinicians and workers/patients

Straightforward, factual, easy to understand practical information is highly empowering. By itself, it cannot improve things - information is one of those things that is truly 'necessary but not sufficient'. We have concentrated on developing material for all the key players: employers, line managers, human resources; funders, insurers, and professional case managers; doctors, medical specialists/consultants, other clinicians, occupational health practitioners; and, for the person who is injured or ill, and their spouse and family members.

Provided policy advice to government departments, insurers, and professional groups

We have been fortunate to be involved in all of the major initiatives that have shaped recent policy development, resulting in the key Work<-->Health framework that now prevails.

Conducted clinical and medico-legal assessments

As experienced clinicians our opinions and expertise has been sought by many parties regarding problem cases, complex clinical issues, and to provide expert medico-legal advice.

Developed funding policies

Evidence-informed advice and policy can be used very effectively to devise funding (what to pay for) policy for insurers and other organisations. This includes the practical expertise to operationalise funding policies into current business strategies. We have substantial experience in this with the largest medical and health insurers in the UK, as well as the national accident compensation corporation of New Zealand.

Developed clinical practice guidelines

Nick Kendall served as Chair for the New Zealand Acute Low Back Pain Guidelines for many years, and Kim Burton served as Chair for the European guidelines for prevention in low back pain. We have also produced a range of clinical guidelines on various topics ranging from acute traumatic brain injury (TBI), treatment using hyperbaric oxygen, to implantable spinal cord stimulators and intrathecal pumps. We have also provided expert advice to numerous panels, profesional groups and organisations as they developed clinical best practice guidance.

Conducted evidence reviews and primary research in occupational health

We have undertaken innumerable evidence reviews, ranging in size from definitive reviews through to reviews on highly specific topics for selected clients. While undertaking this work we have developed very efficient methods for conducting evidence reviews, and producing evidence syntheses that provide the maximum practical output for our clients and their end-users. We work to the highest academic and scientific standards, while concentrating on providing useable outputs.

Innovated psychosocial ‘yellow flags’ and occupational ‘blue flags’

Our work on the psychosocial flags framework has been highly influential, starting with 'yellow flags' in the low back pain field. This has extended to the whole musculoskeletal system with a comprehensive approach to identify and manage psychosocial issues in the Person (Yellow), Workplace (Blue), and Context (Black) areas. Our guide Tackling Musculoskeletal Problems: a guide for clinic and workplace - identifying obstacles using the psychosocial flags framework has received many 'five-star' reviews and is widely used around the world.

Devised stay-at-work and return-to-work policies

One of the most practical issues that we have constantly focused on is how to help people stay at work and return to work successfully. This means it needs to be sustainable. We are extremely proud of our contributions on this field.