- Empowering Acupuncture Students Through an Education in Research: Using Case Reports to Enhance Learning and Clinical Practice
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Sandro Graca, Samantha J. Allen, Harriet Lansdown, Rosa N. Schnyer, Kathleen Lumiere
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Perspect Integr Med. 2025;4(1):1-5. Published online February 21, 2025
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.56986/pim.2025.02.001
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 Abstract
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- The current landscape of acupuncture education is marked by significant challenges including the closure of prominent schools and a decline in student enrollment. Addressing these issues requires innovative approaches that improve educational content and student engagement. Given the recognized interest in research amongst students, integration of research skills into acupuncture education is vital in the development of students into practitioners who are equipped with critical thinking. These skills enable meaningful engagement with scientific literature and facilitate the delivery of evidence-based care. Production of a case report goes beyond taking simple case histories and provides a practical bridge between theory and clinical practice by teaching students research skills (systematic data collection, detailed analysis, and critical evaluation of treatment outcomes). The work involved in case reports enhances diagnostic skills, clinical reasoning, and communication with peers and other healthcare professionals. When used in conjunction with pragmatic data sets, case reports may be used in secondary analyses that reflect real-world clinical settings in a more practical way than clinical trials providing insights into broader clinical patterns and outcomes. The integration of research-focused learning prepares students for evidence-based practice, promotes interdisciplinary communication, and supports professionalism in acupuncture through contributions to the clinical evidence base.
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