ABSTRACT
Purpose: In the summer of 2020, the US professional acupuncture association, The American Society of Acupuncturists (ASA), surveyed their members concerning members' experiences of the effects of COVID-19 on themselves and their business practices. Our goal is to learn more about members' experiences and gather helpful suggestions that can be shared with other members. Methods: We used the SurveyMonkey platform to survey ASA members. Duplicate entries were removed by the ASA administrator before analysis by Dr. Conboy. With IRB oversight from Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, we are analyzing responses to consider how the pandemic has influenced the profession. Simple tabulations are used for categorical responses, and grounded theory coding is being used for the free response. We plan to produce a manuscript for the profession and its members. A sociological manuscript will be designed to share experiences of how the pandemic influenced business practices. Results: We received over 5500 responses from ASA members across the United States. Qualitative analyses are finding that while many practitioners had concerns for their business, health of their patients, and their own health, approximately 30% reported hope that they would continue to practice and help patients during the pandemic. Still others saw the lockdown in a positive manner allowing time to help their colleagues, further their own education, and focus on their own self-care. Quantitative analyses suggest that practitioners apply responded to state and local practice guidelines. Conclusions: COVID-19 had unprecedented effects on the East Asian Medicine and Acupuncture Profession. Many practitioners were able to pivot to new methods of practicing, while for some it was devastating. The majority of acupuncturists demonstrated their ability to turn an uncertain period into one of opportunity and learning. Specific examples will be given.
ABSTRACT
Objective: In the summer of 2020, we surveyed all members of the United States professional acupuncture association, The American Society of Acupuncturists (ASA), concerning their experiences of the effects of COVID-19 on business practices. The goal is to learn more about members' experiences and perhaps gather helpful suggestions that can be shared with other members. Methods: All members of the ASA were invited to participate in the survey by their state organizations between 6/3/ 2020 until 6/19/2020. The survey was administered via the SurveyMonkey (c) platform. The 40 question survey included both close and open-ended questions concerning how the pandemic may have influenced work practices, home life, and professional plans. We used SPSS to tabulate the quantitative responses for presentation. The qualitative responses are being double coded, with analysis directed by Grounded Theory. Results: IRB oversight was attained (IRB#113020C). We received over 5000 responses. Demographics were similar to the population of America acupuncturists. Practitioners reported the ability to respond to federal and local health messages, and if practicing, the ability to find tools necessary for safety. Many used the closure time for education and family activities. Many had concerns for the future of their business even after solution of the pandemic. Conclusion: Not enough is known about the business practices of acupuncturists in the US, and certainly even less is known of how COVID-19 is currently affecting the profession. Similar documents have been produced by other allied health professional organizations, for example Ayurveda.We found that acupuncturists were able to respond to federal and local mandates, and modify business practices to meet the needs of public health during the pandemic.