Hospital Acupuncture
Implementation Framework

Post-operative nausea and vomiting (PONV) affects 30-50% of surgical patients. Acupuncture and acupressure are the only non-pharmacological interventions included in PONV management guidelines. This framework helps clinicians implement them systematically in hospital settings.

Phase 1: Exploration — identifying factors

Phase 1: Exploration

Identifying human factors and environmental factors

 Phase 2: Preparation — addressing barriers

Phase 2: Preparation

Addressing barriers and using enablers

 Phase 3: Implementation — executing the plan

Phase 3: Implementation

Executing with evidence-based strategies

 Phase 4: Sustainment — maintaining practice

Phase 4: Sustainment

Normalising into routine practice
The Bottom Line Acupuncture and acupressure are the only non-pharmacological interventions included in post-operative nausea and vomiting management guidelines. Despite strong evidence, systematic implementation in hospitals remains rare. This framework shows you how.

I am a...

Hospital Administrator Cost, credentialing, and workflow impact Clinician Evidence, protocols, and safety data Acupuncture Practitioner Hospital credentialing and collaboration Researcher Methodology, data, and publications

Application Examples

Acupressure for PONV

Nurse-led acupressure wristband implementation for post-operative nausea and vomiting at Northern Hospital, Victoria.

View case study →

Acupuncture in Emergency Coming Soon

Registrar-led acupuncture implementation in the emergency department. Research in progress.

Key Evidence

Outcome Effect (RR) Evidence
Nausea (PC6 stimulation) 0.68 (95% CI 0.60-0.77) High
Vomiting (PC6 stimulation) 0.60 (95% CI 0.51-0.71) High
Rescue antiemetics 0.64 (95% CI 0.55-0.73) Moderate

Source: Lee et al., 2015 (Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews). Full evidence summaries →

About the Framework

Developed by Dr Zhen Zheng, PhD, Senior Research Fellow at RMIT University and NHMRC Translating Research into Practice Fellow. The HAIF framework draws on implementation science methodology (EPIS, CFIR) and real-world hospital implementation experience.

Learn more about HAIF →