DoD-NCCAM/NIH workshop on acupuncture for treatment of acute pain.

The Department of Defense (DoD) and the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) cosponsored a workshop that explored the possible benefits of acupuncture treatment for acute pain. One goal of the workshop was to establish a roadmap to building an evidence base on that would indicate whether acupuncture is helpful for treating active-duty military personnel experiencing acute pain. The workshop highlighted brief presentations on the most current research on acupuncture and acute pain mechanisms. The impact of various modifiers (stress, genetics, population, phenotypes, etc.) on acute pain pathways and response to acupuncture treatment was discussed. Additional presentations focused on common neural mechanisms, an overview of real-world experience with using acupuncture to treat traumatic acute pain, and best tools and methods specific for acupuncture studies. Three breakout groups addressed the gaps, opportunities, and barriers to acupuncture use for acute pain in military and trauma settings. Different models of effectiveness research and optimal research designs for conducting trials in acute traumatic pain were also discussed.

The impact of curriculum on a national telehealth program.

Pakistan developed a curriculum for training in telemedicine based upon international experience and regional needs. The curriculum was offered to selected specialists across the spectrum of medicine, policymakers, and engineer experts. The curriculum was experience based and hands-on. Each participant at the end was asked to develop a telemedicine application based upon their area of practice or expertise. Most of the first 30 graduates are currently involved in telemedicine applications in varied and unanticipated areas of contribution. The first graduates also were instrumental in the national and regional response to the earthquake disaster of 2005 in the Rawalpindi region. The curriculum is being expanded under government sponsorship to become a national telemedicine initiative.