Assessing knowledge about acupuncture: A survey of people with back pain in the UK

Authors: Greville-Harris, M., Hughes, J., Lewith, G., Liossi, C., White, P., Graham, C.A. and Bishop, F.L.

Journal: Complementary Therapies in Medicine

Volume: 29

Pages: 164-168

eISSN: 1873-6963

ISSN: 0965-2299

DOI: 10.1016/j.ctim.2016.10.005

Abstract:

Objectives Despite the prevalence of acupuncture treatment in the UK, and the increasing evidence of safety and effectiveness, the information presented to patients by practitioners frequently contains inaccuracies. As knowledge of treatment affects both patient decision-making and treatment outcomes, this study aimed to establish what is known about acupuncture in a sample of people who had, and had not, previously experienced acupuncture. Design A 15-item questionnaire was constructed to assess knowledge of acupuncture. Setting Online survey of people with a history of back pain. Results 202 participants completed the questionnaire. 66.8% of the sample was female and 33.2% male, with a mean age of 35 years (range 18–74 years). 87.6% had back pain in the past six months, 44.1% currently. 21.8% had previously received acupuncture, and 69.8% had previously read or heard information about acupuncture. On average participants answered 11.03 of 15 questions about acupuncture correctly (SD = 2.64). Items relating to common concerns about acupuncture, acupuncture efficacy, and types of acupuncture were correctly answered by ≥80% of participants. Participants possessed less knowledge of accessibility, Government legislation, and methods of administration. Conclusions The study identified key gaps in knowledge about acupuncture among patients. In particular, many participants were unaware that acupuncture is available from the UK National Health Service and that acupuncturists are not subject to statutory regulation in the UK. These knowledge gaps should be addressed in order to increase people's understanding of and access to acupuncture.

https://eprints.bournemouth.ac.uk/31482/

Source: Scopus

Assessing knowledge about acupuncture: A survey of people with back pain in the UK.

Authors: Greville-Harris, M., Hughes, J., Lewith, G., Liossi, C., White, P., Graham, C.A. and Bishop, F.L.

Journal: Complement Ther Med

Volume: 29

Pages: 164-168

eISSN: 1873-6963

DOI: 10.1016/j.ctim.2016.10.005

Abstract:

OBJECTIVES: Despite the prevalence of acupuncture treatment in the UK, and the increasing evidence of safety and effectiveness, the information presented to patients by practitioners frequently contains inaccuracies. As knowledge of treatment affects both patient decision-making and treatment outcomes, this study aimed to establish what is known about acupuncture in a sample of people who had, and had not, previously experienced acupuncture. DESIGN: A 15-item questionnaire was constructed to assess knowledge of acupuncture. SETTING: Online survey of people with a history of back pain. RESULTS: 202 participants completed the questionnaire. 66.8% of the sample was female and 33.2% male, with a mean age of 35 years (range 18-74 years). 87.6% had back pain in the past six months, 44.1% currently. 21.8% had previously received acupuncture, and 69.8% had previously read or heard information about acupuncture. On average participants answered 11.03 of 15 questions about acupuncture correctly (SD=2.64). Items relating to common concerns about acupuncture, acupuncture efficacy, and types of acupuncture were correctly answered by ≥80% of participants. Participants possessed less knowledge of accessibility, Government legislation, and methods of administration. CONCLUSIONS: The study identified key gaps in knowledge about acupuncture among patients. In particular, many participants were unaware that acupuncture is available from the UK National Health Service and that acupuncturists are not subject to statutory regulation in the UK. These knowledge gaps should be addressed in order to increase people's understanding of and access to acupuncture.

https://eprints.bournemouth.ac.uk/31482/

Source: PubMed

Assessing knowledge about acupuncture: A survey of people with back pain in the UK

Authors: Greville-Harris, M., Hughes, J., Lewith, G., Liossi, C., White, P., Graham, C.A. and Bishop, F.L.

Journal: COMPLEMENTARY THERAPIES IN MEDICINE

Volume: 29

Pages: 164-168

eISSN: 1873-6963

ISSN: 0965-2299

DOI: 10.1016/j.ctim.2016.10.005

https://eprints.bournemouth.ac.uk/31482/

Source: Web of Science (Lite)

Assessing knowledge about acupuncture: A survey of people with back pain in the UK.

Authors: Greville-Harris, M., Hughes, J., Lewith, G., Liossi, C., White, P., Graham, C.A. and Bishop, F.L.

Journal: Complementary therapies in medicine

Volume: 29

Pages: 164-168

eISSN: 1873-6963

ISSN: 0965-2299

DOI: 10.1016/j.ctim.2016.10.005

Abstract:

Objectives

Despite the prevalence of acupuncture treatment in the UK, and the increasing evidence of safety and effectiveness, the information presented to patients by practitioners frequently contains inaccuracies. As knowledge of treatment affects both patient decision-making and treatment outcomes, this study aimed to establish what is known about acupuncture in a sample of people who had, and had not, previously experienced acupuncture.

Design

A 15-item questionnaire was constructed to assess knowledge of acupuncture.

Setting

Online survey of people with a history of back pain.

Results

202 participants completed the questionnaire. 66.8% of the sample was female and 33.2% male, with a mean age of 35 years (range 18-74 years). 87.6% had back pain in the past six months, 44.1% currently. 21.8% had previously received acupuncture, and 69.8% had previously read or heard information about acupuncture. On average participants answered 11.03 of 15 questions about acupuncture correctly (SD=2.64). Items relating to common concerns about acupuncture, acupuncture efficacy, and types of acupuncture were correctly answered by ≥80% of participants. Participants possessed less knowledge of accessibility, Government legislation, and methods of administration.

Conclusions

The study identified key gaps in knowledge about acupuncture among patients. In particular, many participants were unaware that acupuncture is available from the UK National Health Service and that acupuncturists are not subject to statutory regulation in the UK. These knowledge gaps should be addressed in order to increase people's understanding of and access to acupuncture.

https://eprints.bournemouth.ac.uk/31482/

Source: Europe PubMed Central

Assessing knowledge about acupuncture: A survey of people with back pain in the UK.

Authors: Greville-Harris, M., Hughes, J., Lewith, G., Liossi, C., Whitelaw, P., Graham, C.A. and Bishop, F.L.

Journal: Complementary Therapies in Medicine

Volume: 29

Issue: December

Pages: 164-168

ISSN: 0965-2299

Abstract:

OBJECTIVES: Despite the prevalence of acupuncture treatment in the UK, and the increasing evidence of safety and effectiveness, the information presented to patients by practitioners frequently contains inaccuracies. As knowledge of treatment affects both patient decision-making and treatment outcomes, this study aimed to establish what is known about acupuncture in a sample of people who had, and had not, previously experienced acupuncture. DESIGN: A 15-item questionnaire was constructed to assess knowledge of acupuncture. SETTING: Online survey of people with a history of back pain. RESULTS: 202 participants completed the questionnaire. 66.8% of the sample was female and 33.2% male, with a mean age of 35 years (range 18-74 years). 87.6% had back pain in the past six months, 44.1% currently. 21.8% had previously received acupuncture, and 69.8% had previously read or heard information about acupuncture. On average participants answered 11.03 of 15 questions about acupuncture correctly (SD=2.64). Items relating to common concerns about acupuncture, acupuncture efficacy, and types of acupuncture were correctly answered by ≥80% of participants. Participants possessed less knowledge of accessibility, Government legislation, and methods of administration. CONCLUSIONS: The study identified key gaps in knowledge about acupuncture among patients. In particular, many participants were unaware that acupuncture is available from the UK National Health Service and that acupuncturists are not subject to statutory regulation in the UK. These knowledge gaps should be addressed in order to increase people's understanding of and access to acupuncture.

https://eprints.bournemouth.ac.uk/31482/

Source: BURO EPrints