Waiting Times for Endometriosis Patients: A Growing Concern

On 19 November 2024, MPs Alice MacDonald and Jim Shannon raised critical questions in Parliament regarding the long waiting times for the diagnosis and treatment of endometriosis. Despite significant and reliable evidence supporting the effectiveness of acupuncture in managing this condition, the updated NICE guidelines (NG73) for the diagnosis and management of endometriosis excluded acupuncture as a recommended treatment. This omission raises concerns about patients being denied access to potentially effective care for this debilitating condition.

Why Was Evidence for Acupuncture Overlooked? 
The scope of the 2024 NICE guideline update failed to include acupuncture, despite new, robust evidence published since 2017. Recent systematic reviews highlight the potential of acupuncture in managing endometriosis-related pain and improving patient outcomes:

1. Acupuncture for Endometriosis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (Giese et al., 2023)

   • Findings: Acupuncture significantly improved pelvic pain in endometriosis patients, demonstrating clinically relevant benefits.
   • Read the study here.

2. Acupuncture for Clinical Improvement of Endometriosis-Related Pain: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (Chen et al., 2024)

   • Findings: Acupuncture alleviated dysmenorrhea, reduced pelvic pain and serum CA-125 levels, decreased nodule size, improved quality of life, and lowered recurrence rates.
   • Read the study here.

Meeting Healthcare Needs with Accredited Acupuncture
The UK faces a workforce crisis in the NHS, compounded by rising workplace absences due to illness. Acupuncture has previously been recognized in the NICE guidelines for primary chronic pain and could play a pivotal role in addressing gaps in healthcare delivery over the next decade.

The British Acupuncture Council (BAcC), accredited by the Professional Standards Authority (PSA) since 2013, ensures that its members meet the highest standards of competence, safety, and trustworthiness. This accreditation is reflected by the inclusion of the BAcC directory on the NHS acupuncture webpage and the Endometriosis UK website.

At a Westminster Health Forum in October, PSA CEO Dr. Alan Clamp emphasized the importance of PSA Accredited Registers in supporting NHS workforce planning. BAcC members are uniquely positioned to offer evidence-based, safe, and effective care to patients in need.

A Call to Action
Alex Jacobs, CEO of the BAcC, stated:

"By choosing a BAcC member acupuncturist, the public can be assured of receiving care from a highly trained and competent professional. The potential for acupuncture to transform UK healthcare is enormous. We urge the government to fully support the PSA Accredited Registers scheme and invest in vital evidence-based solutions for patients in need."

To find a regulated and accredited acupuncturist, visit the BAcC directory.