Background: Previous research has considered the impact of personal and situational\nfactors on treatment responses. This article documents the first phase of a four-stage project\non patient characteristics that may influence responsiveness to acupuncture treatment, reporting\nresults from an exploratory practitioner survey. Methods: Acupuncture practitioners from various\nmedical professions were recruited through professional organisations to complete an online survey\nabout their demographics and attitudes as well as 60 questions on specific factors that might\ninfluence treatment. They gave categorical (â??Yesâ?, â??Noâ?, and â??Donâ??t knowâ?) and free-text responses.\nQuantitative and qualitative (thematic) analyses were then conducted. Results: There were more\naffirmative than negative or uncertain responses overall. Certain characteristics, including ability to\nrelax, exercise and diet, were most often considered relevant. Younger and male practitioners were\nmore likely to respond negatively. Limited support was found for groupings between characteristics.\nQualitative data provide explanatory depth. Response fatigue was evident over the course of the\nsurvey. Conclusions: Targeting and reminders may benefit uptake when conducting survey research.\nPractitioner characteristics influence their appreciation of patient characteristics. Factors consistently\nviewed as important included ability to relax, exercise and diet. Acupuncture practitioners may\nbenefit from additional training in certain areas. Surveys may produce more informative results if\nreduced in length and complexity.
Loading....