Journal of the Japan Society of Acupuncture and Moxibustion  2007;57(1):2-15

doi:10.3777/jjsam.57.2

Ideas for Safer Acupuncture Practice (1)

Hitoshi YAMASHITA ; Shuichi KATAI ; Masato EGAWA ; Naoto ISHIZAKI ; Toshikazu MIYAMOTO ; Takashi UMEDA ; Kenji IMAI

Keywords

acupuncture; safety; malpractice; prevention; forgotten needles; incident reporting; fingerstall; clean needle device

Country

Japan

Language

Japanese

Abstract

We have been collecting various ideas on safer acupuncture practice from participants in our workshop as well as members of the committee. Subjects and presentations of the present workshop were as follows:
1. Forgotten needles
  1) Ideas of prevention based on a questionnaire survey (Egawa and Ishizaki)
  2) Effect of incident reporting system (Yamashita)
2. Cleaner method of needle insertion and Oshide (needle-supporting fingers)
  1) Merits and demerits of sterilized fingerstall and glove (Miyamoto)
  2) History of the clean needle development (Umeda)
  3) A novel clean acupuncture needle device (Imai and Ishizaki)
Although there was not enough time for discussion, we collected some useful ideas from the participants. A novel clean needle invented by Imai gave a strong impression to the audience. We should continue to discuss a diverse impact when such new devices and concepts become widespread in traditional acupuncture practices. We welcome more ideas and opinions from relevant facilities, clinics and fields in order to further improve safety of acupuncture.