Acupuncture in pediatric academic health centers: A blueprint for integration

Background: Pediatric acupuncture within academic health centers is an expanding service, with more than one third of pediatric pain centers in the United States offering acupuncture-related modalities. Despite consumer demand for acupuncture, there is little information in the literature regarding the "how-to" of building these programs. Methods: This article summarizes two models of incorporating pediatric acupuncture in academic health centers and describes methods of application of pediatric acupuncture within an academic health environment. Results: A comparison of these models and a blueprint for the development and success of acupuncture services within pediatric health centers are presented. Conclusions: Pediatric acupuncture can be a vital addition to holistic integrative care for children in an academic center, but it requires collaborative implementation, particularly in the areas of clinical service, education, research, and reimbursement strategies. Long-term viability of pediatric acupuncture within an academic pediatric setting is aided by joint administrative support from both hospital and medical school, as well as measures of performance outcome and patient satisfaction.