GPs attitudes towards provision of acupuncture on the NHS: a local study

By Louise Lipman - MSc in Acupuncture

Abstract

GPs are at the centre stage of the recently established Primary Care Groups (PCGs). It is they who are making the commissioning decisions in the Primary Care led NHS. Local variations in the demands of primary care provide much of the rationale for the formation of PCGs.

The literature shows that Complementary Medicine (CM) and especially acupuncture is now popular amongst both patients and GPs.

This study investigates the attitudes of General Practitioners (GPs) to acupuncture, whether they think it should be available on the NHS and if so, in what way. It is intended to inform the local PCG, but also to be applicable to the national picture and political agenda.

A postal questionnaire was sent to all 65 practising GPs in the Melton Rutland and Harborough (MRH) PCG. A response rate of 83% was achieved.

The main findings are that 59% of MRH GPs think that acupuncture should be available on the NHS. They consider both medical and non-medical practitioners suitable to practise acupuncture, at either NHS or non-NHS premises, with the NHS providing some, or all of the required funding. 98% of GPs have had conversations about acupuncture with their patients, 72% think acupuncture is cost effective and 83% clinically useful.

GPs with knowledge and experience had more favourable views and GPs with more experience tend to have more knowledge on acupuncture. There are some limited differences in views according to gender and age of the GP. Concerns are highlighted as to the potential limitation of acupuncture with its integration into the NHS. The issues of lack of resources and evidence are also considered.

The findings suggest that present acupuncture activity does not match GP desire. Any further integration of acupuncture into the NHS must not limit future aims by current practice.