InBrief

The Motor Accidents Authority (MAA) of NSW has released updated guidelines for the management of acute WAD. The 2nd edition of the guidelines incorporates the latest research into WAD that has been published since the release of the 2001 guidelines.

The guidelines offer an evidence-based approach for medical and health professionals, insurers and consumers on how best to manage WAD in the first 12 weeks following a motor vehicle accident.

They build on the 2001 guidelines by providing more ways to deal with complex cases by:

• Alerting primary care practitioners to adverse prognostic indicators which may indicate the need for early referral or more intensive treatment
• Confirming that the diagnosis of a fracture or dislocation warrants immediate referral to an Emergency department or a medical specialist
• Providing indications of when referral to specialists or a multidisciplinary pain team or rehabilitation providers should be considered

There are six WAD publications to suit different needs:

• Guidelines for the Management of Acute Whiplash-Associated Disorders - for Health Professionals 2nd Edition 2007
• Summary Guidelines� for the Management of Acute Whiplash-Associated Disorders- for Health Professionals 2nd Edition 2007
• Compulsory Third Party Claims Guide for the Management of Acute Whiplash-Associated Disorders – An Insurer’s Guide 2nd Edition 2007
• Your Guide to Whiplash Recovery in the first 12 weeks after the accident – For consumers
• MAA Whiplash Guidelines – GP Summary
• Technical Report Guidelines for the Management of Acute Whiplash-Associated Disorders 2nd Edition 2007

All publications may be downloaded from the MAA website�and click on Whiplash Guidelines.

2 November 2007