Wikipedia is one of the most commonly used internet sites with millions of people logging on to learn about various subjects.

 

The defining feature of Wikipedia is that anyone can contribute to it which can allow a level of depth not afforded by other internet sources. However, there is always the worry that the information can sometimes be misleading. In the same vein as Wikipedia, the Physiotherapy Pain Association (PPA) is launching its own version - Physiopedia.

 

Members of the organisation, which is leading The Pain Project, are aiming to create a new global online physiotherapy resource. Physiopedia will allow physiotherapists working in the field of pain to share evidence-based knowledge on the website allowing trainee and junior medical staff to learn key pieces of information.

 

The PPA is inviting all physios to contribute either through writing or editing evidence-based articles. They can be personal or collective and are reviewed by the PPA before being uploaded. The PPA stated that contributions will be rewarded with a continuing professional development certificate.

 

Martin Hey, chairman of the PPA, explained that all physios should be encouraged to put their thoughts on to Physiopedia to help create a one-stop shop for everything anyone needs to know about pain.

 

Speaking to Frontline, Mr Hey said: "We can’t control all the content on the Pain Project site, but as a professional resource physiotherapists would expect it to be much more credible."

 

One of the dangers with Wikipedia is that not all of the information provided is accurate but the PPA chair explained that this would not be the case with Physiopedia. Mr Hey maintained that the PPA has taken numerous steps to ensure that quality is the top priority for the project. All contributions are moderated and the posts so far have been taken from the association's peer-reviewed journal.

 

By Angela Newbury