Samenwerking Maastricht University
In het najaar van 2022 zijn collega Jean-Paul Barbou van Roosteren (Praktijk de Witte Os Maastricht) en ik gestart met het begeleiden van een Master Student (Katy) in samenwerking met de Universiteit van Maastricht.
Het onderwerp van de thesis was: Wat zijn de belemmeringen en bevorderende factoren voor de integratie van acupunctuur als een alternatief in verwijsprocedures in huisartsenpraktijken voor patiënten met somatisch onverklaarbaar lichamelijke klachten (SOLK) in het Zuiden van Limburg?
“What are barriers and facilitators for the integration of acupuncture as an alternative in general practices’ referral procedures for patients with persistent somatic symptoms in the South of Limburg?”
Interesse in het onderzoek? Stuur dan een email naar emielieke@emergy.nu
Abstract
Background: This article addresses the issue of the treatment of persistent somatic symptoms
(PSS) in primary care, where a significant number of cases present symptoms without a clear
medical explanation. The study focuses on integrating acupuncture as an alternative treatment
option for PSS in general practices. It aims to identify the barriers and facilitators for
incorporating acupuncture into referral procedures in the Netherlands, especially South of
Limburg. By promoting evidence-based acupuncture, this approach could provide practical
benefits, including increased treatment options and reduced healthcare costs.
Methods: This study employed a qualitative research design to explore the barriers and
facilitators for the integration of acupuncture in the Netherlands. Semi-structured interviews
were conducted with several healthcare professionals (HCPs), acupuncturists, and a
researcher from the COCOZ project. The COCOZ project from the researcher, was created to
support the use of complementary therapies such as acupuncture, aiming to enhance the
collaboration between HCPs and acupuncturists and the integration of acupuncture as a
referral option in the Netherlands. Thematic analysis was used to identify key themes from
the interview data, providing insights into the feasibility and hurdles of integrating
acupuncture into primary care referral procedures for patients with PSS.
Results: The study involved 13 interviews. Findings revealed that HCPs’ awareness and
perception of acupuncture varied, with some considering it helpful while others were
skeptical. Limited communication and collaboration between HCPs and acupuncturists were
observed, and HCPs indicated to have limited knowledge about acupuncture’s functioning,
outcomes, and benefits. Education and implementation of acupuncture into HCPs’ training
and guidelines were identified by the participants as essential for fostering its integration.
Conclusion: The article emphasizes the need for increased knowledge and evidence-based
practice of acupuncture among HCPs in the Netherlands. Integrating acupuncture into
national guidelines for patients with PSS and educating future HCPs about its benefits could
promote acupuncture as a valuable treatment option and thus reduce HCPs’ workload. Further
research is needed to support the spread of acupuncture knowledge and referral among HCPs
in the Netherlands.
Keywords: acupuncture, patient with persistent somatic symptoms, healthcare professionals,
barriers, facilitators, integration, qualitative research
