The survey of the practice of acupuncture and moxibustion therapy in medical institutions with a palliative care unit

ABSTRACT

<b>Purpose：</b>The purpose of this study was to clarify the practice of acupuncture and moxibustion in medical institutions with a palliative care unit. <b>Methods：</b>A selfadministered questionnaire was mailed to the physicians in charge of the ward or the chief nurses of 244 medical institutions with a palliative care unit. <b>Results：</b>Responses were obtained from 98 institutions. Among these, it was obvious that acupuncture and moxibustion therapy were performed in six institutions（6.1％）. The conditions of patients treated with acupuncture and moxibustion were pain, fatigue, constipation, and displeasure. Regarding acupuncturists being concerned with a palliative care field, it was described that acupuncturists could have one of the important role in clinical field in palliative care. On the other hand, it was indicated that there were difficulties associated with the practice of acupuncture and moxibustion therapy in a hospital. <b>Conclusion：</b>Although acupuncture and moxibustion therapy are considered to have usefulness as a variety of care, to practice acupuncture and moxibustion therapy in a medical institution, it is necessary to examine create the practice system.