Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality: Innovations in CAM

The Agency for Healthcare Quality and Research (AHRQ) has initiated an Innovations project that focuses on the work of complementary and integrative healthcare providers. Using the domains of quality developed by the Institute of Medicine, AHRQ reviews pertinent quality assessments and measures to describe the scope of clinics and organizations providing CAM care. In AHRQ's evaluation, factors include descriptions of the organization and the issues it addresses; patient population; and the overall impact of the innovation. An overall evidence rating is then assigned based on the link of the innovation to a measureable health indicator.

The AIDS Care Project (ACP) of Pathways to Wellness in Boston was selected as a model site by AHRQ. This clinic has a 20-year history of providing free and low-cost acupuncture to people living with HIV/AIDS. The program provides care to individuals who have low incomes and are uninsured or under-insured. Over 80,000 acupuncture treatments have been provided in a variety of clinical locations, including hospitals, community clinics, and in patients' homes. During fiscal year 2007, 9784 treatments were provided to 3219 clients. Individuals receiving treatment include young adults, adults and senior citizens. Approximately 50% of the clients are white, while 25% are African-American and another 25% are Latino/Hispanic.

Key elements of ACP's planning and development process include partnering with other healthcare providers; developing state-wide standards of care for providing acupuncture to individuals with HIV/AIDS; and working with students through training internships. To sustain the innovation, ACP focused on providing high-quality care and stabilized funding through a variety of sources including conducting community-centered research.