A summary of the British Acupuncture Council Educational Standards categories
| Category | Summary |
|---|---|
| Practice Context | Acupuncture practitioners recognise that they work within a specific context, or set of contexts, and that this necessarily plays a part in shaping their practice and influencing their relationships with patients, carers, colleagues and other healthcare professionals. |
| Diagnosis and Treatment | Acupuncture practitioners, following the BAcC Education Guidelines (April 2000), make a diagnosis, formulate a treatment plan and treat patients using needles and other techniques that have an impact on the flow of qi in the channels. Through the manipulation of qi within the body, acupuncture treatment is aimed at awakening the body’s ability to protect and heal itself. |
| Communications and Interaction | Acupuncture practitioners maintain high standards in a range of communications skills in their interactions with patients, carers, colleagues and other healthcare professionals, according to the BAcC Codes of Professional Conduct and Safe Practice. |
| Safety | Acupuncture practitioners ensure safety for patients and themselves within a therapeutic relationship, according to the BAcC Codes of Safe Practice and Professional Conduct. |
| Professional Development | Acupuncture practitioners engage in professional development to improve their practice, based on the examination of, and reflection upon, their work. They participate in the Continuing Professional Development Programme of the BAcC. |
| Business Management | Acupuncture practitioners manage their practice following sound business, legal and ethical principles and in accordance with the BAcC Codes of Safe Practice and Professional Conduct for the benefit of themselves and patients. |
