Cooperation between Acupuncturists and Physicians Providing Palliative Care at Home Care Support Clinics / 全日本鍼灸学会雑誌

ABSTRACT

[Objective]The purpose of this study was to clarify the current status of cooperation between acupuncturists and physicians providing palliative care at home care support clinics.<BR>[Methods]We studied 297 home care support clinics that provide cancer palliative care in the home. We mailed a self-administered questionnaire to the physicians belonging to the clinics. The questionnaire was created to clarify the number of clinics that provide home palliative care, current status of cooperation with acupuncturists, and methods of information-sharing.<BR>[Results]We received responses from 98 clinics (33.3%response rate). Of these, 14 clinics (14.3%) currently provide care for terminal cancer patients in cooperation with acupuncturists, 9clinics (9.2%) reported having done so in the past. Patient's conditions treated in cooperation with acupuncturists were things such as pain, hiccups, edema, ascites, and constipation. The benefits attributed to cooperation with acupuncturists included "relief of symptoms,""improved patient satisfaction,"and "improved patient motivation."Regarding the presence or absence of information-sharing with acupuncturists, 7clinics (50%) responded that they "always share," 7clinics (50%) responded that they "share depending on the situation,"and no clinic reported "does not share information."Regarding the prospect for cooperation with acupuncturists in providing home palliative care in the future, 9clinics (9.2%) responded that they "actively want to cooperate,"and 65 clinics (66.3%) stated that they would "think about cooperation in some circumstances."<BR>[Conclusion]From this study, it was concluded that cooperation exists between acupuncturists and physicians in 14.3%of home care support clinics providing palliative care. In addition, the possibility that cooperative patient care provides not only symptom relief but also other benefits has been suggested. On the other hand, it is necessary for acupuncturists, as part of a healthcare team, to have access to patient information and the status of other treatments, so that the acupuncturists can be involved in the field of home palliative care. Furthermore, management should promote an environment for cooperating with professionals in other medical occupations, including physicians.