Acupuncture for Pediatrics: An Educational Initiative

Shiu-Lin Tsai; Da Wi Shin; Elena Reynoso

doi:10.1089/acu.2021.0059

Acupuncture for Pediatrics: An Educational Initiative

Med Acupunct. 2022 Apr 1;34(2):115-122. doi: 10.1089/acu.2021.0059. Epub 2022 Apr 19.

Authors

Shiu-Lin Tsai¹, Da Wi Shin², Elena Reynoso³

Affiliations

¹ Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, and Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA.
² Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.
³ Johnson and Johnson Pharmaceutical Company, Titusville, NJ, USA.

Abstract

Objective: With the ongoing opioid crisis, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends nonpharmacologic therapies (e.g., acupuncture) for treating pain. Multiple agencies, such as the National Institutes of Health and World Health Organization, recognize acupuncture's effectiveness for treating pain, but acupuncture education for providers is scarce. A Workshop to Introduce Acupuncture for Pediatrics (AcuPeds-Workshop) was developed with support from American Academy of Pediatrics to educate providers. Additional funding was given by the Virginia Apgar Academy to evaluate the effects of attending this workshop.

Materials and methods: This prospective study used Immediate and 1-Month Post-Workshop (PWS) surveys. The AcuPeds-Workshop components included: history; a literature review; videos of patients receiving acupuncture; and hands-on experience. The workshop was presented at numerous conferences. Attendee survey completion was voluntary.

Results: Of 327 attendees, the majority were female, non-Hispanic, and were physicians. At baseline, attendees had: heard of acupuncture, 96%; used it, 28%; and/or had a prior lecture, 13%. In the Immediate-PWS: 97% reported an increase in their knowledge and understanding of the indications for acupuncture; majority correctly addressed 3 clinical application scenarios and contraindications. With respect to attitude: 85% would use acupuncture for themselves and 88% would use it for patients. More than 80% rated the workshop components as useful or very useful. In the One-Month-PWS: majority addressed the same 3 clinical scenarios and contraindications correctly, and 11% considered referring patients for acupuncture.

Conclusions: Attendance at this AcuPeds-Workshop had a positive impact on attendees' knowledge, application of, and attitude about acupuncture. This workshop supports efforts to educate medical providers on this nonpharmacologic pain therapy.

Keywords: acupressure; acupuncture; medical education; pain management; pediatrics.