The bulk of acupuncture in the NHS is given by BMAS members , the majority of whom are general practitioners and pain specialists. Both these medical disciplines in particular, are taught to take an holistic view of the patient tailoring each plan of treatment to the individual. Given the duty of care to the patient as well as a duty of fiscal management given the limited resources of the NHS, we feel that the teaching and practice of acupuncture should be evidence based, where this exists. Studies by our members have shown acupuncture treatment in primary care has been effective in reducing the need for referral to secondary care in certain musculoskeletal and pain conditions. The chairman of the BMAS research committee, Dr Adrian White, is a Research Fellow at the Department of Complemetary Health Studies at Exeter University.
Advice is given to our members regarding research methodology.
Dr Jacqueline Filshie, recently organised a seminar for international research workers in the field of acupuncture. The International Acupuncture Research Forum is a result of this meeting and is actively discussing how to improve trial methodology. Audit and research has always been encouraged and disseminated at our two Scientific Meetings which are held each year. We would be very glad to hear of any sources of future funding for research in acupuncture and would be glad to assist on any funding bodies .