Implementing acupuncture in NP practice

Author: Roberta Heale, EBN deputy editor, @robertaheale, @EBNursingBMJ

A number of months ago I blogged about taking acupuncture courses. I then promised that I might blog again about my experience implementing acupuncture in my primary care nursing practice. I used to be frustrated by the shortage of options for people affected by chronic pain and decided to learn acupuncture to supply patients an alternative choice to medications. After completing the acupuncture program and practicing on several relations and friends, I entered into an agreement with the agency where I practice as an NP to supply services to the clinic’s patients. My schedule quickly stuffed with patients referred by other NPs at the middle. Finally, on a warm and sunny day in late June, I accomplished my kit and got began.

Each of the patients who made appointments with me suffered from quite a few pain problems resulting from fibromyalgia, osteoarthritis, previous injuries and more. I took the time to clarify to everybody the risks and advantages of acupuncture. I showed them photos I took in the course of the courses to indicate that I had worked on every point within the course, including the one where I used to be given points on my arms. Everyone asked me, “Does it work?” I told them in regards to the studies showing effectiveness, but from my very own experience I needed to truthfully say, “I don’t know.” I developed a care plan for every patient based on their symptoms and the areas they felt were a priority.

Having no expectations, I used to be amazed by each the immediate and delayed response to acupuncture treatment. I estimate that over 80% of patients had some positive response, and although I started off treating local pain issues, I used to be completely unprepared for the wide selection of advantages I experienced. Almost all patients indicated that their pain was reduced, but in addition they described reduced anxiety and greater leisure. There are reports of higher sleep, higher well-being and even less constipation. In one case, the patient was treated for bilateral lower leg pain. The treatment significantly reduced the pain, however the extensive varicose veins on the legs almost disappeared in the course of the treatment! We were each surprised and he or she was delighted, and much more so when the effect lasted.

In the short time I actually have been practicing acupuncture, I actually have learned that it’s difficult to quantify a patient’s response to treatment. A pain scale of 1 to 10 doesn’t seem appropriate to find out response. It seems that the tendency in Western health care to compartmentalize diagnoses and coverings doesn’t work so well with acupuncture. The advantages are more pervasive and more indefinite. While I am unable to truthfully tell a person patient that “acupuncture will work for them,” I definitely feel rather more confident in saying that they are going to likely profit from treatment ultimately.

I’m excited to proceed offering acupuncture to my patients. I hope that as I turn into more adept, I’ll have the option to supply much more advantages to them.

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