- The idea was mainly to get an insight into the routines that therapists'practitioners and those who provide educational practice regarding patient safety in CAM. And, to get feedback from them about NAFKAM's strategy and model for patient safety, says Miek Jong, professor and head of NAFKAM.
More than 20 therapists, practitioner sociations and educational institutions were represented at the conference in late 2023, and the program consisted of plenary sessions with lectures and presentations, as well as group work.
-The attending associations signaled that patient safety is something they take seriously and handle professionally, says Frauke Musial, professor of health sciences at NAFKAM, and continues:
-The discussion between the different associations were good and useful, especially through the group work. For me, the most important outcome from the conference was that safety procedures seem to be in place and taken care of, by the majority of providers, represented by those present at meeting.
- Free for Anyone
-For me, the most important thing is how strongly education, knowledge and competence of the various associations and schools was at the forefront; and that good work has been done across therapies and provider groups to ensure patient safety. I also noticed the presence of respect, humility and willingness to learn from others at the conference, says Vivi Ann Waggestad, chair of the board of the Norwegian Massage Therapists Association.
Guro Fresvik, chairman of the Norwegian Acupuncture Association, emphasizes that the requirements for practitioners should be stricter.
- The biggest challenge to patient safety in acupuncture is that unqualified therapists give potentially harmful "acupuncture". Our members have 4 years of government-approved education and expertise in safe treatment with needles. Today, anyone with a crash course and a box of needles can offer “acupuncture”. We hope that the authorities will address issues related to quality requirements and the interests of patients," she says.
Jarle Botnen, chairman of SABORG, also wants more regulation.
SABORG is grateful that NAFKAM initiated this conference. Our hope for the future is that there will be movement in a settled situation and that the official Providers’ registry will remain. The CAM field and its practitioners has had and will continue to have a great focus on safety, and we hope both the public and the authorities will recognize this. The conference showed ability and willingness among the providers, and there was an agreement on the importance of having a high professional level, regarding education and clinical practice, he says.
- A need for more insight
Says Miek Jong; -There is a need for more insight into possible indirect risks of using CAM and the possibilities for adverse events to occur. This should be investigated further and discussed with the authorities. Also, it seems to be a desire to formulate a threshold with a minimum educational level for providers who wish to be part of the National Registry for Providers of Complementary and Alternative Medicine .
-As a result of the conference, we will write a report, and formulate a collaborative statement regarding patients’ safety in CAM. The report will point the way forward and include the input received from the participants. This collaboration can go on for several years, depending on the feedback from those attending the conference.
