Survey on the status of infection control measures during acupuncture and moxibustion treatment under the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

【Background】From late 2019 to 2020, the novel coronavirus pandemic emerged, and medical facilities were required to implement new infection prevention measures in addition to conventional ones. It is assumed that massage, acupuncture, and moxibustion (hereinafter referred to as massage/acupuncture/moxibustion) clinics in Japan also implemented countermeasures based on various information. However, the actual situation remains unclear. This survey aims to create foundational data for future infection control measures and clarifies the status of infection control measures at massage/acupuncture/moxibustion clinics during the pandemic.【Methods】An online questionnaire was conducted targeting massage/acupuncture/moxibustion practitioners nationwide from July to September 2023.【Results】Of the 343 responses submitted, 328 responses were analyzed after excluding duplicate responses and obtaining consent for use. The most common source of infection control information was “Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare information” (277 responses), followed by “guidelines from professional associations” (191 responses). Infection control measures implemented included ventilation measures (320 responses), wearing face masks by practitioners (320 responses), keeping distance between patients (284 responses), and hand hygiene measures (increased hand washing frequency: 187 responses; increased hand sanitizer use: 214 responses). Thirty-eight respondents reported experiencing a suspected novel coronavirus infection case at their workplace. Binary logistic regression analysis indicated that installing shielding materials tended to increase the risk of transmission from patients to practitioners.【Discussion】Most responding therapists appear to have prioritized information from public agencies and professional organizations and implemented necessary infection control measures. However, a small number of practitioners were found to have chosen actions that did not adhere to relevant guidelines, highlighting the importance of postgraduate education.【Conclusion】This study demonstrated that most massage/acupuncture/moxibustion practitioners implemented necessary infection control measures based on reliable information. However, a small number of practitioners chose actions that did not adhere to relevant guidelines.