Enhancing Patient Care: The Vital Role of Collaboration Between TCM Practitioners (Acupuncturists) and Medical Doctors

By Dr Luke McPherson

Acupuncture and TCM Crows Nest, Sydney

In the realm of healthcare, collaboration is not just a buzzword; it's a fundamental aspect that can  enhance patient outcomes and well-being, and it is an aspect I take seriously in my Crows Nest acupuncture clinic. One such collaboration that holds immense potential is between acupuncturists and medical doctors. While they may operate in different paradigms, their combined expertise can offer patients a more holistic approach to healing and wellness.

1. Comprehensive Assessment: Biomedical doctors excel in diagnosing diseases using clinical assessments, laboratory tests, and imaging techniques. By working closely with acupuncturists, they can gain insights into the patient's overall health from a TCM perspective, considering factors such as energy imbalances, meridian blockages, and constitutional patterns. This comprehensive assessment leads to a more nuanced understanding of the patient's condition, guiding personalised treatment plans (Cheng, 2014).

2. Holistic Treatment Approach: Integrating acupuncture with conventional medical treatments offers patients a holistic approach to healing. While biomedicine primarily focuses on alleviating symptoms and managing diseases, acupuncture addresses the root causes of health issues, rebalancing the body's energy flow and enhancing its innate healing mechanisms. By combining both approaches, patients receive a well-rounded treatment regimen that targets both the physical and energetic aspects of their well-being (Vickers, Vertosick, Lewith, MacPherson, Foster, Sherman,... & Linde, 2018)

3. Enhanced Pain Management: Chronic pain is a complex and debilitating condition that often requires multimodal treatment approaches. Acupuncture has shown remarkable efficacy in relieving various types of pain, including musculoskeletal pain, neuropathic pain, and migraine headaches. When integrated into a pain management program coordinated with medical doctors, acupuncture can reduce the reliance on opioid medications, mitigate side effects, and improve overall pain control, leading to better patient outcomes and quality of life (Chou et al, .2017)

4. Reduced Side Effects and Enhance Recovery: Many conventional medical treatments, such as chemotherapy, surgery, and long-term medication use, can cause significant side effects and impact patients' quality of life. By incorporating acupuncture into the treatment plan, medical doctors can help mitigate these side effects and support patients' recovery. Acupuncture has been shown to reduce nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy, alleviate postoperative pain and inflammation, and improve immune function, enhancing the body's ability to heal and recover (Crew et al, 2010).

5. Patient-Centred Care: Collaboration between acupuncturists and medical doctors fosters a patient-centred approach to healthcare. By working together as a cohesive team, they can tailor treatment plans to meet the individual needs, preferences, and goals of each patient. This personalised approach empowers patients to take an active role in their healing journey, fostering trust, confidence, and satisfaction with their care (Verhoef et al 2006).

6. Effective Communication: Clear and open communication between acupuncturists and medical doctors is essential for ensuring coordinated and comprehensive patient care. By sharing information about treatment plans, progress, and any changes in the patient's condition, both parties can make informed decisions and adjustments to the care regimen. This collaboration fosters mutual respect, trust, and a shared commitment to the patient's well-being. Moreover, effective communication enables acupuncturists and medical doctors to address any concerns or misconceptions about their respective practices, facilitating a collaborative approach grounded in mutual understanding and respect Bokari et al, 2016).

Call Dr Luke McPherson (TCM) for a Consultation today!

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Reference List:

• Bokhari, F., Newman, N., Harrington, C., & Asgari, M. M. (2016). Bridging the Gap: Enhancing Collaboration Between Dermatologists and Primary Care Providers. Journal of Drugs in Dermatology: JDD, 15(4), 400-405. care that truly makes a difference in people's lives.
  

• Cheng, K. J. (2014). Neurobiological mechanisms of acupuncture for some common illnesses: A clinician's perspective. Journal of Acupuncture and Meridian Studies, 7(3), 105-114.

• Vickers, A. J., Vertosick, E. A., Lewith, G., MacPherson, H., Foster, N. E., Sherman, K. J., ... & Linde, K. (2018). Acupuncture for chronic pain: update of an individual patient data meta-analysis. The Journal of Pain, 19(5), 455-474.

• Chou, R., Deyo, R., Friedly, J., Skelly, A., Weimer, M., Fu, R., ... & Brodt, E. D. (2017). Nonpharmacologic therapies for low back pain: A systematic review for an American College of Physicians Clinical Practice Guideline. Annals of Internal Medicine, 166(7), 493-505.

• Crew, K. D., Capodice, J. L., Greenlee, H., Brafman, L., Fuentes, D., Awad, D., ... & Hershman, D. L. (2010). Randomized, blinded, sham-controlled trial of acupuncture for the management of aromatase inhibitor-associated joint symptoms in women with early-stage breast cancer. Journal of Clinical Oncology, 28(7), 1154-1160.

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• Verhoef, M. J., Mulkins, A., Boon, H., Dolovich, L., & Carlson, L. E. (2006). Hiding in plain sight: Integrating complementary and alternative medicine in primary care settings. Journal of Interprofessional Care, 20(2), 229-240.