Nationally speaking. The challenge for research in a practice profession

We have suggested that certain research challenges now face the profession. In summary, these challenges may be seen as part of the dual mission of research in a practice profession. Research must contribute to the development of a body of knowledge: some research is academic and theoretical in nature and other research helps to sustain and improve clinical practice. In either case, theory in a practice profession differs significantly from that in more traditional sciences. It is, in fact, more sophisticated and complex than the theory utilized by nonpractice professions, because it must provide the means to state intended outcomes and identify the methods required to achieve the prescribed results (5). This is known as "prescriptive theory" and represents the ultimate research challenge to the practice profession. Prescriptive theory cannot rest on studying what is and what has been; it must anticipate what might be--indeed, what must be--if patients are to achieve their greatest potential as functional members of society.