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The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine Vol. 25, No. 7 pp. 675-677

Group Acupuncture Model in a Cancer Institute: Improved Access and Affordability

Susan Yaguda and Danielle Gentile
Department of Supportive Oncology, Levine Cancer Institute, Atrium Health, Charlotte NC

Abstract

Cancer patients may experience significant symptom mitigation from acupuncture. However, this service may not be easily accessible or affordable at all cancer institutions. The development of a group acupuncture program provided one institution with improved availability, lower cost to patients, and a foundation for oncology acupuncture research. This care delivery model was deployed at a large southeastern cancer institution within a multistate academic-community hybrid hospital system. The cancer institute serves >15,000 patients annually. Acupuncture is provided through the institute's Integrative Medicine section of the Department of Supportive Oncology. The purpose of this commentary is to describe the successful transition from an individual to group acupuncture model at this cancer institute. With the implementation of group acupuncture, patient visits increased 275% from individual care delivery. Although successful implementation of a group acupuncture model may be affordable and clinically positive, the authors also share unique challenges learned through the development and expansion of this program.

https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/10.1089/acm.2019.0071

Excerpts:

"...accessibility of acupuncture remains a challenge for cancer institutions. Barriers include treatment cost, limited patient knowledge of the benefits of acupuncture, inadequate treatment space, and access to licensed acupuncturists with oncology experience. However, these barriers can be reduced by the group acupuncture model."

"Initially, acupuncture was provided as individual sessions. This model soon proved inefficient with longer wait times and provider unproductivity during no show appointments. Inspired to explore a transition from individual to group acupuncture, the administration team, oncologists, patient advisors, and acupuncturist partnered to develop a group acupuncture model."

"In the group acupuncture model, patients pay a set out-of-pocket fee for service upon arrival, which is half of the cost of individual appointments. Those with insurance coverage for acupuncture are encouraged to file for reimbursement, whereas philanthropic support is available for patients with financial need."

"Appointments are staggered in 15-min increments to allow the acupuncturist to perform a personalized assessment and treatment plan before moving to the next patient. Treatment is provided in a recliner chair in a large quiet room that accommodates four to six patients."

"Videos with soothing nature sounds and music are played in the background. Patients are supported by pillows and offered mylar blankets and recorded guided imagery meditations using an iPod and earbuds."

"During a 4-h acupuncture appointment, up to 12 patients can be treated, including new and follow-up visits."