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Implementation of Acupuncture in Routine Oncology Care: A Comparison of Physicians', Nurses', Physiotherapists' and Acupuncturists' Practice and Beliefs.

Authors :
Efverman A
Source :
Integrative cancer therapies [Integr Cancer Ther] 2022 Jan-Dec; Vol. 21, pp. 15347354221132834.
Publication Year :
2022

Abstract

Background: It is important to investigate beliefs in acupuncture in professionals because professionals' expectations may affect treatment outcomes.<br />Aim: To document the type, number, and education of professionals practicing acupuncture. Further, to compare beliefs about the effectiveness of acupuncture for common cancer related symptoms in the different types of professionals.<br />Methods: This cross-sectional study employed a questionnaire on practice and beliefs regarding acupuncture effects for symptoms that commonly occur in patients treated within oncology care settings. The respondents (n = 555) consisted of oncology professionals that is, physicians (n = 133), nurses (n = 172), and physiotherapists (n = 117). Additional respondents consisted of acupuncturists (n = 133), working outside approved health care.<br />Results: Of the respondents, acupuncture was practiced by 4% of the physicians, 6% of the nurses, 58% of the physiotherapists, and 90% of the acupuncturists. The professionals believed acupuncture to be effective for pain (of the physicians, nurses, physiotherapists, and acupuncturists, 94%, 98%, 89%, and 99% respectively believed in the effectiveness), chemotherapy-induced nausea (corresponding figures: 74%, 89%, 89%, and 93%), and vasomotor symptoms (corresponding figures: 71%, 81%, 80%, and 97%). The physicians believed acupuncture to be effective in a mean of 5 symptoms, nurses in 6 symptoms, physiotherapists in 6 symptoms, and acupuncturists in 10 symptoms ( P  < .001).<br />Conclusions: Since the professionals varied substantially regarding practice, education and beliefs in acupuncture, oncology clinics may consider delivering patient preferred acupuncture according to evidence-informed guidelines rather than on varying preferences among the professionals, since professionals' treatment expectations may modify treatment outcomes.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
1552-695X
Volume :
21
Database :
MEDLINE
Journal :
Integrative cancer therapies
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
36398874
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1177/15347354221132834