A national practice analysis of traditional East Asian medicine

Background: Traditional East Asian medicine (TEAM), which includes acupuncture, herbs, and related therapies, is a rapidly growing health profession. Acupuncture became a legal treatment modality in several states in the 1970's. Subsequently over 60 schools have opened and approximately 27,000 non-MD trained acupuncturists are practicing in 43 states. A growing number of these practitioners are entering integrative healthcare and public health settings. These changes have created more opportunities for the profession, yet there is little known about the tasks performed by these individuals in various practice settings. Differences in practice characteristics between recent graduates and those who have been in the profession for five or more years was also unclear.

Design: A cross-section survey research design was employed to collect data on demographics and practice characteristics.

Participants: All National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) active Diplomates of acupuncture and Oriental medicine (n=14,000) were notified by regular mail or e-mail, requesting their participation in the survey. Geographic distribution, years in active practice, and response rates were monitored. Follow-up mailings were sent to individuals not responding to the initial request.

Results: The survey data described provider demographics, characteristics of practice, specific job tasks, patients, and other relevant information. (FINAL RESULTS WILL BE AVAILABLE IN AUGUST 2008).

Discussion: This survey provides the first set of national data on traditional East Asian medicine practitioners in the US. It supplies needed information essential for educational planning, curriculum development, and competency assessment for those entering the profession and long-term practitioners.