A survey of health professionals' views about integration of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Acupuncture into NHS Scotland

Study aimsTo gain understanding of perspectives of physiotherapists and doctors regarding experience and practice of acupuncture together with their views on potential for integration of Traditional Chinese Acupuncture (TCMAc) into NHS Scotland.MethodologyA cross-sectional postal survey involved 107 physiotherapists, 207 general medical practitioners and 317 other medically qualified personnel working with Forth Valley Health Board in Central Scotland. Enquiry addressed (a) personal experience and clinical usefulness of acupuncture, (b) whether TCMAc services should be integrated into NHS Scotland within defined models of care and practice and (c) willingness to refer to TCMAc services.ResultsAn overall 51% response rate (320/631) included 74% (79/107) physiotherapists and 49% (101/207) general medical practitioners (GPs). Physiotherapists were most familiar with acupuncture, followed by GPs. 93% of both physiotherapists and GPs 'agreed' that acupuncture was clinically useful. Although few claimed detailed knowledge about TCMAc, 32% (24/76) physiotherapists and 21% (48/231) doctors agreed that it should be integrated into NHS Scotland. Barriers included 'lack of NHS resources' and 'lack of evidence'; 29% (88/307) respondents thought such services could be sited at health centres. 'Assimilation' was the preferred working arrangement for physiotherapists, while doctors cited 'collaboration'. 33-39% of respondents were willing to refer to TCMAc; 7% (7/96) GPs already did so.ConclusionsDespite strong support for acupuncture per se, significant lack of awareness about TCMAc hampered informed opinion about its integration by the majority. Raising health professionals' awareness regarding available research evidence is clearly indicated. Nevertheless, opinions reflect potential for integration.