The Effectiveness of Non-invasive Interventions for Common Traffic-related Musculoskeletal Injuries: Rapid Systematic Reviews to Inform Alberta’s Care-First System and Automobile Insurance Reform

Alberta is preparing to launch the Care-First System in 2027—a major reform meant to replace the current fault-based, litigation-heavy approach to managing traffic-related musculoskeletal injuries with a model that emphasizes timely, high-quality care. To implement the new system effectively, Alberta needs current, evidence-based clinical guidance, but none exists that fits Alberta’s context. The only comparable recommendations (from Ontario’s OPTIMa Collaboration) are more than five years old and based on a very different insurance and care environment. To fill this evidence gap, five rapid systematic reviews will be conducted based on the latest evidence for non-invasive treatments—such as exercise, manual therapy, needle-based therapies, passive modalities, psychological care, NSAIDs, acetaminophen, muscle relaxants, and multimodal programs—for common traffic-related injuries (head, neck, shoulder, thoracic/chest, low back). Invasive procedures like surgery and injections will be excluded. These reviews will generate the evidence base needed to tailor and implement best-practice guidelines for regulated healthcare providers managing common traffic-related musculoskeletal injuries in Alberta, ensuring alignment with upcoming policy timelines.