From Acupuncturist to Researcher: A Journey of Discovery
What inspired you to pursue an MSc as an acupuncturist with a research interest?
As I sit and reflect on how to start this blog, I realise I’ve been an acupuncturist for half my life. I consider myself lucky that I found the passion for Chinese Medicine at a reasonably young age and even luckier that this passion has grown, adapted and evolved with my personal and professional life. Becoming a research acupuncturist is just the latest chapter of this evolving journey.
I was fortunate that through my work in the hospice, I was asked to establish a one-year pilot acupuncture clinic for a few hours a week at Dimbleby Cancer Care, an integrated complementary therapy service within the new Cancer Centre of Guy’s Hospital in London. Until then, the complementary service consisted only of touch therapists. The pilot was a success, and over the past eight years (alongside learning to navigate the funding maze of the NHS), the acupuncture service has continued to grow into a larger and permanent fixture within Dimbleby Cancer Care.
So, why is this relevant to my becoming a researcher? I found myself working in my dream job, achieving great results and regularly getting referrals from other healthcare professionals. I had a dawning realisation that I would like to use my position to ‘do some research’ and to share my work with the wider community. I went on a BAcC trip to Harbin in January 2020, observing and learning in the Heilongjiang Hospital of Chinese Medicine. I came home buzzing with ideas, such as setting up a multibed, and trying to establish more community group acupuncture clinics. I was still interested in research, but didn’t think I had time for both and was unsure what direction to take. Lockdown happened, ending any ideas of starting a multibed. I found myself with time on my hands, and so my decision was made. I applied to the NCA.
Can you describe your journey from acupuncturist to researcher and how your perspective shifted along the way?
As a recent research graduate, it’s hard to remember how I felt at the beginning of the course. Three years of absorbing and comprehensive learning has left me with a deep commitment to being a researcher alongside feeling that the more I know, the more I realise I don’t know. Very reminiscent of being a new acupuncture graduate!
On reflection, I think I’ve learnt a language and process that allows me to engage with other healthcare researchers on equal terms. I started the course as a research student and now consider myself a researcher. The shift happened somewhere along the trajectory of designing, conducting, analysing, writing and disseminating a research project. But I cannot describe this journey without thanking the amazing teaching and support of the NCA staff, and to my supervisor, Karen Charlesworth, who’s extensive knowledge and guidance facilitated my journey.
Being an acupuncturist is at the core of all my work, whilst being a researcher provides me with the skill set to demonstrate the value of traditional acupuncture. If we want to grow as a profession, we need to engage in evidence-based research that’s understood and respected by the wider healthcare community.
What challenges did you face while balancing the roles of practitioner and researcher?
Being a researcher-practitioner was initially a by-product of my situation. I wanted to evaluate my NHS clinics and as an unfunded MSc student, had to assume the role of both researcher and practitioner. I addressed the potential ethical issues of being a researcher-practitioner when designing my project and didn’t think it would require any further attention.
However, I found it influenced all stages of my research and became a large part of my overall experience. I leant heavily on my use of a reflective research journal and learnt to accept the inherent struggle in holding the dual role. You can read more about my experience of being a researcher-practitioner in the blog I wrote for the Research Council for Complementary Medicine: https://www.rccm.org.uk/reflections-on-being-a-researcher-practitioner-by-mandy-brass/
How has your research experience influenced your acupuncture practice?
As part of my research, I investigated my cancer patients’ experience of acupuncture alongside gathering outcome data. I will not be the first acupuncturist to wonder if it was me, or the needles, or a combination of both, that was getting the results. The process of reflection, doubt, and emerging confidence had enhanced my practice. I have a greater respect for acupuncture as a complex intervention that can draw on multiple tools for the optimal individualised outcome. The consultation, treatment and lifestyle advice are more than the sum of their parts; their combined effect draws on the deep well of Chinese Medicine knowledge condensed into the whole treatment for each patient.
I’ve spent the past year disseminating my research, presenting at various conferences, webinars and blogs. Preparing for these has enabled me to share my research, but also the opportunity to critically reflect on my practice. Having to explain the what and the why of my work and present cases to professional peers has had a positive impact on my practice.
What advice would you give other acupuncturists considering a similar path into research?
I’d say to anyone even vaguely interested, go for it! We need high quality research to show the value of our treatments, and it doesn’t need to be too onerous. Write up a case history or collect pre- and post-treatment patient-reported outcomes for yourself. Be both critical and reflective of your work, and you’ll find your practice will benefit. You might even enjoy it enough to share or publish…
What research areas are you most passionate about exploring?
Working in an integrative supportive cancer centre, I’m passionate about anything related to the benefits of acupuncture for cancer patients, and using the research to increase accessibility of acupuncture in cancer care. My MSc research project compared the outcomes and experience of group and individual acupuncture in the NHS.
Using the results of this research, I have been able to secure funding for a new group acupuncture clinic in Dimbleby Cancer Care. Such an exciting example of the positive impact that research can have! I’m now interested in exploring the benefits of acupuncture for complex cancer patients with multimorbidity. Many of my NHS cancer patients with multimorbidity have a significant symptom burden, polypharmacy and subsequent loss of quality of life. I would like to explore how a course of acupuncture may reduce symptoms, improve quality of life and be cost effective in NHS.
Inspired by Mandy’s story and would like to find out more?
Book on one of our online Q&A or in-person introductory event to see the dates and book your place – or simply pick up the phone – we are always happy to chat to prospective students. Call us Monday to Friday on 01904 343305 (ex2).