Provider Perceptions of Battlefield Acupuncture in a Major Veterans Health Administration Facility

Abstract

Objective: To assess provider perceptions regarding battlefield acupuncture (BFA) and integrative medicine at a single Veterans Health Administration facility. Materials and Methods: A total of 87 allopathic and osteopathic providers trained to provide BFA were invited to participate in a self-report web-based questionnaire assessing provider BFA perceptions and practice. Mixed methodology was used to analyze closed- and open-ended survey responses. Results: Sixty-six providers completed the survey. On average, most providers reported 3-4 BFA treatments per patient (43.2%) and 1-2 weeks of pain relief per treatment (51.4%). A positive correlation was found between post-BFA complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) attitude and (1) average total patients treated with BFA (r(b) = 0.41, n = 37, P = 0.01) and (2) percentage of patients treated experiencing meaningful pain relief (r = 0.47, n = 35, P = 0.003). A positive shift in CAM attitudes was observed [F(1, 59) = 25.5, P < 0.001, eta(2)(p) = 0.302]. An overworked schedule was the most salient theme across open-ended questions addressing barriers to practice. Provider BFA attitude comments largely encompassed positive views about BFA treatment utility and effectiveness. Conclusions: Our findings provide preliminary evidence that exposure to BFA training and experience practicing BFA can positively affect provider CAM attitudes. Qualitative findings point to positive provider attitudes and beliefs regarding BFA treatment utility and effectiveness for pain management. BFA is an alternative treatment for pain management that many Veterans Affairs providers deem useful and effective, particularly after exposure to BFA training and as more BFA-related practice is attained.