Unsafe Behaviors in Acupuncture and Moxibustion Practical Skills: An Observational Study
- VernacularTitle:鍼灸実技における不安全行動:観察による実態把握
- Author:
Yuya KIKUCHI
1
;
Shingo MORIIZUMI
2
;
Hiroshi NAKAI
3
;
Shinnosuke USUI
4
Author Information
- Keywords: Unsafe Behaviors; Acupuncture and Moxibustion practical skills; Observation; Safety
- From:Journal of the Japan Society of Acupuncture and Moxibustion 2024;74(4):314-326
- CountryJapan
- Language:Japanese
- Abstract: [Introduction] Previous researches have suggested that safety education in acupuncture and moxibustion training schools may be insufficient. Inadequate training could lead to students exhibiting unsafe behaviors during practical sessions, potentially resulting in unsafe practices in their future clinical environments. Thus, this study aims to identify and analyze the actual unsafe behaviors exhibited by students during acupuncture and moxibustion practical skills.[Subjects and Methods] This observational study was conducted with 18 university students enrolled in acupuncture and moxibustion training programs (12 third-year students [5 females], 6 fourth-year students [2 females]; mean age 21.06 years [SD = 0.68]). All participants provided informed consent. The students were recorded during their practical skills, and their unsafe behaviors were later documented by observers using a pre-established checklist while reviewing the footage. Unsafe behaviors that were not listed in the checklist were recorded in a free description section.[Results] A total of 21 types of unsafe behaviors were observed (9 from the checklist and 12 from the free description section). The checklist identified behaviors such as "failure to disinfect hands immediately before touching the patient," "failure to disinfect hands immediately after touching the patient," and "touching potentially contaminated substances," all of which were observed in all 18 students, with occurrence rates exceeding 20%. Other behaviors observed by more than one person included "failure to disinfect the treatment area after needle removal," "inadequate palpation," and "reuse of single-use needles." In the free description section, behaviors such as "unnecessarily touching patient roles," "returning used alcohol swabs to the container," and "reuse of alcohol swabs" were noted in multiple students. For these behaviors that were performed by multiple people, there was a bias in the incidence of those who exhibited the behavior between grades.[Discussion] The occurrence of unsafe behaviors during practical skills may be attributed to inconsistent safety protocols, human error, and various psychological factors. To reduce these behaviors, it is necessary to implement standardized educational methods and address psychological and other factors, in addition to the existing safety education.
