The potential for Acupuncture Practice to Influence Behaviour Change in Patients: A Grounded Theory Study

By Jo Rochford - Online MSc - Advanced Oriental Medicine

Abstract

Behaviour is a key determinant of health influencing many common chronic health conditions in Europe through patient lifestyle choices. A lack of strategic approach to behaviour change in the UK results in few interventions that produce long-lasting change for large numbers of people. Effective strategies are therefore needed to motivate and sustain health-improving behaviour. Behavioural change work is a significant part of acupuncture and TCM due to participative patient-practitioner interaction. How a patient views a practitioner can result in patient behavioural changes, but more research is needed into links between how practitioners practise and potential influences on patient behavioural change. The current study used Grounded Theory (GT) methodology to allow themes and theories to be developed about potential links between how the practitioner practises and behavioural change in patients. Acupuncturists were interviewed to gather their views on whether their approach to practice influences behavioural change in patients. Practitioners were found to practise in a way which deliberately and consciously supported patients to make behaviour changes. Practitioners played a key role in engaging patients in treatment, sharing decision-making and goal-setting, and tracking behaviour change with patients to maintain patient accountability for behaviour change. Practitioners also utilised the therapeutic relationship created with patients to inspire patient desire to become involved with and take responsibility for their own health and as a space to discuss behaviour change and challenges. Practitioners concluded acupuncture improves patients’ wellbeing and reduces pain which made implementing behaviour change easier for patients.