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Research ArticleOriginal Research

Critical Factors to Practicing Medical Acupuncture in Family Medicine: Patient and Physician Perspectives

Christy J. W. Ledford, Carla L. Fisher, David A. Moss and Paul F. Crawford
The Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine March 2018, 31 (2) 236-242; DOI: https://doi.org/10.3122/jabfm.2018.02.170381
Christy J. W. Ledford
From the Department of Family Medicine, F. Edward Hebert School of Medicine, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD (CJWL); College of Journalism & Communications, STEM Translational Communication Center, University of Florida (UF) Health Cancer Center; UF Center for Arts in Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL (CLF); Nellis Air Force Family Medicine Residency Program, Mike O'Callaghan Military Medical Center, Nellis Air Force Base, NV (DAM, PFC).
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Carla L. Fisher
From the Department of Family Medicine, F. Edward Hebert School of Medicine, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD (CJWL); College of Journalism & Communications, STEM Translational Communication Center, University of Florida (UF) Health Cancer Center; UF Center for Arts in Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL (CLF); Nellis Air Force Family Medicine Residency Program, Mike O'Callaghan Military Medical Center, Nellis Air Force Base, NV (DAM, PFC).
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David A. Moss
From the Department of Family Medicine, F. Edward Hebert School of Medicine, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD (CJWL); College of Journalism & Communications, STEM Translational Communication Center, University of Florida (UF) Health Cancer Center; UF Center for Arts in Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL (CLF); Nellis Air Force Family Medicine Residency Program, Mike O'Callaghan Military Medical Center, Nellis Air Force Base, NV (DAM, PFC).
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Paul F. Crawford III
From the Department of Family Medicine, F. Edward Hebert School of Medicine, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD (CJWL); College of Journalism & Communications, STEM Translational Communication Center, University of Florida (UF) Health Cancer Center; UF Center for Arts in Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL (CLF); Nellis Air Force Family Medicine Residency Program, Mike O'Callaghan Military Medical Center, Nellis Air Force Base, NV (DAM, PFC).
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Abstract

Introduction: Although an increasing number of physicians are completing medical acupuncture training, only half of those physicians are able to successfully incorporate acupuncture into practice. We conducted a qualitative study to identify the factors and barriers that can enhance and impede physicians' delivery of and patients' engagement in medical acupuncture within the family medicine clinic.

Methods: We conducted interviews with 15 family physicians and 17 patients in a US family medicine clinic that has integrated medical acupuncture into its practice. Audio recordings were transcribed and analyzed by 2 members of the study team in ATLAS.ti, using the constant comparative method.

Results: We identified 3 physician themes of factors/barriers that impact delivery/engagement: 1) patients' aversion to needles, 2) time challenges, and 3) access to resources. We identified 3 additional themes from patient interviews: 1) appointment access; 2) wanting noninvasive, no side effects alternative; and 3) openness to anything.

Discussion: The factors and barriers reported by physicians/patients help illustrate conditions needed to enhance physicians' ability to provide acupuncture and patients' willingness to engage and sustain it. Participants' experiences help to illustrate strategic approaches to managing these barriers—strategies that can be used by other individuals/institutions to enhance care delivery and patient engagement.

  • Acupuncture
  • Family Physicians
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The Journal of the American Board of Family     Medicine: 31 (2)
The Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine
Vol. 31, Issue 2
March-April 2018
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Critical Factors to Practicing Medical Acupuncture in Family Medicine: Patient and Physician Perspectives
Christy J. W. Ledford, Carla L. Fisher, David A. Moss, Paul F. Crawford
The Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine Mar 2018, 31 (2) 236-242; DOI: 10.3122/jabfm.2018.02.170381

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Critical Factors to Practicing Medical Acupuncture in Family Medicine: Patient and Physician Perspectives
Christy J. W. Ledford, Carla L. Fisher, David A. Moss, Paul F. Crawford
The Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine Mar 2018, 31 (2) 236-242; DOI: 10.3122/jabfm.2018.02.170381
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