Improvement of the Neurosurgeon's Professional Performance with the Prescription of Acupuncture and Related Techniques

Abstract

Introduction: The implementation of traditional, complementary, and integrative medicine can be carried out by different health professionals in various conditions, such as Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI). This entity is treated by neurosurgeons, who undergo professional development in this area of knowledge, supported by Cuba's postgraduate Resolution 140/19 and the principles of medical education. Objective: To evaluate the improvement of the neurosurgeon's professional performance with the prescription of acupuncture and related techniques after the implementation of the strategy. Method: A mixed-approach research, of the pedagogical pre-experimental type, was conducted with a population of 19 neurosurgeons in the period from February 2022 to February 2025, at the neurosurgery service of the "Dr. Miguel Enríquez" Clinical-Surgical Teaching Hospital. Descriptive statistics methods and weighted indices were used. Result: After the strategy’s implementation, the performance variable reached a final weighted index of 4.31, representing an increase of +1.30 compared to the initial diagnosis. This value places performance in the "Adequate" category, demonstrating that the professionals have systematically incorporated the cognitive, healthcare, and research competencies necessary for the application of acupuncture. Conclusions: An improvement in the neurosurgeon's professional performance was observed with the prescription of acupuncture and related techniques after the strategy was applied, being rated as adequate.