Direct Observation of Procedural Skills as an Assessment Tool in Acupuncture Skills Training for International Students

Abstract

Background:

With the global recognition of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), acupuncture has gained widespread acceptance. However, training and assessing procedural skills in acupuncture, particularly for international students, remain challenging. The Direct Observation of Procedural Skills (DOPS) is a clinical assessment tool that provides real-time feedback, offering a potential solution to enhance practical skill development.

Objective:

This study evaluates the effectiveness of DOPS in improving practical skills, clinical thinking, and overall teaching quality among international acupuncture students.

Methods:

The study was conducted at the School of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Tuina, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine. A DOPS-based assessment scale was developed following the Technical Benchmark of Acupuncture and Moxibustion: Filiform Needle (2023). DOPS was applied through a three-stage process (preparation, operation, and feedback) to assess acupuncture preparation, needle insertion, manipulation, and disinfection. Feedback addressed deficiencies to enhance learning outcomes.

Results:

DOPS significantly improved international students’ practical skills, operational proficiency, and critical thinking. Teachers and students reported high satisfaction with the system, which also facilitated the integration of theory with practice. Students refined their clinical skills and excelled in national competitions.

Conclusions:

DOPS is an effective tool for acupuncture skills training, providing standardized, real-time feedback that enhances teaching quality and bridges gaps in clinical practice. Future advancements, such as virtual reality and artificial intelligence, could further optimize the system and advance international acupuncture education.