Strengthening the Case that Acupuncture is Safe in Competent Hands
Item
Title
Strengthening the Case that Acupuncture is Safe in Competent Hands
Description
EJOM (2005), MacPherson, Hugh.
Abstract
This article reports on a prospective study, funded by the British Acupuncture Council, looking into the safety of acupuncture treatment. The study involved 1 in 3 members of the BAcC who between them recruited 9,400 patients as survey respondents. The characteristics of the acupuncture patients and their reason for seeking treatment are outlined. Short-term reactions to treatment are described, along with perceived adverse events reported in a 3-month follow-up questionnaire. The data presented belie alarmist claims that non-physician acupuncturists put patients at risk by delaying conventional diagnosis and treatment and/or advising changes in prescribed medication. The conclusion from this large-scale and rigorously conducted study strongly reinforces existing evidence that acupuncture, when practised by qualified acupuncture practitioners, is a safe intervention. It also provides compelling evidence that the standards promoted by the BAcC have led to qualified acupuncturists being safe in their broader role as healthcare professionals.
Alternative Title
EJOM
Creator
Date
Date Created
2/24/2015
Language
English
Type
Journal Article
issn
1351-6647
issue
1
volume
5