Economic evaluation of acupuncture in treating patients with pain and mental health concerns: the results of the Alberta Complementary Health Integration Project.

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic and its economic impact have heightened the risk of mental health and pain-related issues. The integration of acupuncture with conventional medicine shows promise in improving treatment outcomes for these conditions. The Alberta Complementary Health Integration Project (ABCHIP) aimed to provide acupuncture to youth (aged 24 and under) and seniors (aged 55 and above) experiencing chronic pain, pain management issues, mental health issues, and/or related conditions.

Effectiveness of acupuncture in treating patients with pain and mental health concerns: the results of the Alberta Complementary Health Integration Project.

Background: This study presents real-world evidence on the clinical outcomes of the Alberta Complementary Health Integration Project (ABCHIP), which utilized acupuncture to address pain and mental health issues in two vulnerable populations in Alberta: youth (aged 24 and below) and elderly (aged 55 and above).

Methods: Over 282 days, a total of 606 patients received 5,424 acupuncture treatments. Tailored to each patients' specific pain and mental health concerns, an individualized treatment plan was selected, following a standard treatment protocol lasting 1 to 3 months.