An Exploration of Mainstreaming Acupuncture by Employing Evidence-Based Medicine Teaching in Acupuncture Education-A Needs Assessment Study.

Background:   There is often a disconnect between standard medical treatment in the United States and complementary therapies such as acupuncture. While acupuncture has gained public attention, its integration into mainstream U.S. healthcare remains limited. Physicians rarely refer patients to acupuncture, and the profession is not well integrated into the American healthcare system. Despite the increasing number of licensed non-physician acupuncturists and accredited acupuncture programs, practitioners in private outpatient settings face significant challenges when attempting to integrate into inpatient hospital environments.

Objective: This study aims to identify the opportunities and barriers to mainstreaming acupuncture in the U.S. healthcare system by conducting a needs assessment among both licensed non-physician acupuncturists and mainstream medical practitioners.

Methods: A mixed-methods design was employed, incorporating both quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis. Licensed acupuncturists and mainstream medical professionals participated in surveys and interviews to assess the factors influencing acupuncture's integration into mainstream medicine.

Results: Findings from the needs assessment highlighted several barriers to acupuncture integration. Key challenges included inconsistencies in professional competence among acupuncture practitioners, particularly in terms of knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as a lack of awareness among mainstream medical professionals regarding reliable, evidence-based acupuncture treatments.

Conclusion: The results underscore the need for standardization in acupuncture education and greater awareness of its evidence-based benefits among mainstream medical professionals. Addressing these barriers may facilitate acupuncture's integration into the U.S. healthcare system and improve interdisciplinary collaboration in patient care.