A UK-based study looking at acupuncture carried out in a busy GP practice by an experienced traditional acupuncturist, found that it resulted in clinically relevant improvements in patients’ MYMOP scores for a variety of conditions. Evaluation was conducted on 46 patients (mean age 50), the majority of whom received six treatment sessions. All participants completed pre- and post-treatment MYMOP forms. Forty-one percent of referrals were requested by the GP and 13% were requested jointly by GP and patient. Interestingly the majority of referrals (46%) were requested by patients as awareness of the acupuncture service grew. A high proportion of chronic conditions were treated; 74% of participants had experienced their condition for over one year and 56% for more than five years. Fifty-eight separate symptoms were recorded on patients’ MYMOP forms. Of these, 72% were musculoskeletal, 9% were neurological, 5% were psychological and 3.5% were in other categories. MYMOP profiles showed statistically and clinically significant improvements across all components, with mean improvement in score of 1.6 (a mean score change of one or above is considered clinically significant). All 42 patients who completed a patient experience survey were satisfied with the efficiency of the service, with 81% rating it as excellent. Patients most frequently cited reduction in pain and stress levels, and improvements in quality of life, as aspects of the treatment that they most valued. (Patient experience of acupuncture provision in a GP practice. Complement Ther Clin Pract. 2012 Aug;18(3):140-4).
Categories: Acupuncture research, Miscellaneous disorders
