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

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.