Procedure

ActionRationale

1. 1.Show
   Take a full medical history from the patient.
   To ensure acupuncture is not contraindicated and to ascertain which treatment points need to be used.
2. 2.Show
   Explain the procedure to the patient and give the patient an information sheet.
    
3. 3.Show
   Take patient's consent.
   Patient needs to agree to treatment (NMC [159]).
4. 4.Show
   Ask the patient to lie down.
   To reduce the risk of the patient fainting (White et al. [233], E).
5. 5.Show
   Wash hands.
   To minimize the risk of infection (Preston [177], C).
6. 6.Show
   Give treatment.
    
7. 7.Show
   Count the needles used (use the empty introducers on the tray as a reminder).
   To ensure no needles are lost/miscounted (White et al. [233], E).
8. 8.Show
   Leave needles in situ for 20 minutes; remove if the patient cannot tolerate them. Stay with the patient throughout.
   To ensure safe treatment.
9. 9.Show
   Remove the needles and count them as they are removed. Dispose of needles in a designated sharps container.
   To ensure no needles are lost/miscounted (White et al. [233], E). To minimize risk of infection and needlestick injury.
10. 10.Show
    Ensure the patient feels OK; let the patient rest on the couch if they feel dizzy, etc.
    To reduce the risk of the patient fainting (White et al. [233], E).
11. 11.Show
    Document needling points used on patient record.
    To ensure that the treatment can be replicated/adjusted at the next appointment according to response (White et al. [233], E).