SIRA to expand guidance for whiplash

SIRA and the John Walsh Centre for Rehabilitation Research (JWCRR) have commenced an update of the guidelines for managing acute whiplash disorders.

Whiplash accounts for 32% of claims in the NSW CTP scheme, making it one of the most common injuries from a motor vehicle accident.

While some people make a full recovery, others can sustain long term injury, creating significant personal, economic and social distress.

The current guidelines for managing whiplash were last updated in 2014 and are limited to treating acute whiplash.

This update seeks to expand on the existing guidance to include the latest evidence and, for the first time, information on the assessment, prognosis and treatment of chronic whiplash.

A working group comprised of representatives across motor accident authorities, consumer groups, and health, insurer, and legal stakeholders will meet throughout 2022 to inform the development process.

Draft guidelines are expected to be available for public review in early 2023.