Traditional Chinese medicine practitioners in New Zealand: differences associated with being a practitioner in New Zealand compared to China.
OBJECTIVE
While New Zealand has experienced an increase in the use of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) based acupuncture, very little is known about the practitioners who provide this type of treatment modality. Therefore, this study was designed to identify differences associated with being a TCM practitioner in New Zealand compared to China.


METHODS
Ten Auckland-based TCM practitioners were individually interviewed. The interview schedule comprised of questions that were designed to identify any potential differences in practising TCM in New Zealand compared to China. Data were analysed using an inductive thematic approach.


RESULTS
The main differences in practising between the two countries were related to the role and authority that a TCM practitioner had. This in turn resulted in differences between the conditions that were treated in these two countries. Differences in patient demography were also identified between the two countries.


CONCLUSIONS
TCM is used as a form of alternative healthcare treatment in New Zealand for non-Chinese individuals. Acupuncture is the most utilised form of TCM treatment in New Zealand, and is predominantly used for pain management purposes. TCM treatment has been utilised by individuals from a number of different ethnic groups, reflecting the ethnic diversity of the New Zealand population.
Research Project Officer and Lecturer, New Zealand College of Chinese Medicine, Auckland & Cancer Society Young Investigator and Research Officer, Human Potential Centre, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland.
Asmita
A
Patel
Lecturer and Clinical Supervisor, New Zealand College of Chinese Medicine, Auckland.
Vahideh
V
Toossi
D015670:Acupuncture Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D000328:Adult; D002681:China; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D008516:Medicine, Chinese Traditional / Q000592:standards*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009520:New Zealand; D059408:Pain Management / Q000379:methods*; D036301:Qualitative Research; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires