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Trager RJ, Nichols MD, Barnett TD, Rodgers-Melnick SN, Song S, Love TE, Adan F, Dusek JA. Impact of Integrative Health and Medicine on Costs Associated with Adult Health System Beneficiaries with Musculoskeletal Conditions: A Retrospective Cohort Study. JOURNAL OF INTEGRATIVE AND COMPLEMENTARY MEDICINE 2024. [PMID: 39291351 DOI: 10.1089/jicm.2023.0812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/19/2024]
Abstract
Objective: Owing to perceived additional costs, patients may avoid integrative health and medicine (IHM) treatments, while insurers may not cover IHM. We hypothesized that adult beneficiaries of a health system's employee insurance plan with musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions receiving covered outpatient IHM would have reduced total allowed costs over the 1-year follow-up compared with matched controls, secondarily exploring medical and pharmaceutical cost subsets. Methods: We queried medical records and claims spanning 2018-2023 for beneficiaries aged 18-89 years with a new MSK episode. Patients were divided into cohorts: (1) IHM within 3 months after MSK diagnosis and (2) no IHM after initial primary care. After inflation adjustment and trimming, propensity score matching was used to balance cohorts on demographics, comorbidity, health care utilization, and prior 12-month spend. Least-squares mean total, medical, and pharmaceutical allowed costs (United States Dollar) over the 1-year follow-up were analyzed using a linear mixed model. Findings were compared with a generalized linear model without trimming. Results: There were 251 patients per matched cohort, with adequate covariate balance. There was no meaningful between-cohort difference (IHM minus No IHM) in least-squares mean total cost (+703 [95% CI: -314, 1720]). Secondary outcomes included medical cost (+878 [95% CI: 61, 1695]) and pharmaceutical cost (+6 [95% CI: -71, 83]). A generalized linear model revealed no meaningful difference in estimated mean total medical costs (-2561 [95% CI: -7346, +2224]). Conclusions: IHM use among adult health system beneficiaries with MSK conditions was not associated with meaningful differences in 1-year follow-up total health care costs compared with matched controls. Our study was underpowered for secondary outcomes, which should be interpreted with caution. Future research should include a larger sample of patients and examine longitudinal changes in patient-reported outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert J Trager
- Connor Whole Health, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland OH, USA
- Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Matthew D Nichols
- Population Health Data Science and Analytics, University Hospitals Accountable Care Organization, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Tyler D Barnett
- Population Health Data Science and Analytics, University Hospitals Accountable Care Organization, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Samuel N Rodgers-Melnick
- Connor Whole Health, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland OH, USA
- Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Sunah Song
- Cleveland Institute for Computational Biology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Thomas E Love
- Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
- Department of Medicine, MetroHealth System, Cleveland, OH, USA
- Population Health and Equity Research Institute, Case Western Reserve University/MetroHealth Medical Center, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Françoise Adan
- Connor Whole Health, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland OH, USA
| | - Jeffery A Dusek
- Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
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Romeiser JL, Chen Z, Nanavati K, Williams AA. Correlates and patterns of using complementary health approaches among individuals with recent and longer-term cancer diagnoses: a US national cross-sectional study. J Cancer Surviv 2024:10.1007/s11764-024-01665-5. [PMID: 39249689 DOI: 10.1007/s11764-024-01665-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2024] [Accepted: 08/16/2024] [Indexed: 09/10/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE To (1) describe and compare the prevalence of using of complementary health approaches, focusing on mind and body practices, and reasons for use among cancer survivors, and (2) examine characteristics associated with use among those with a recent and non-recent diagnosis of cancer compared to those without a previous cancer diagnosis. METHODS Using data from the 2022 US National Health Interview Survey, prevalence estimates were derived for using any complementary health approach, by category (manipulative body-based [chiropractor, acupuncture, massage], creative [music therapy, art therapy], and mind-body [meditation, guided imagery, yoga]), and reasons for use. Regression models identified correlates of use among all participants and within cancer diagnosis subgroups. RESULTS Among 26,523 adult participants, overall prevalence of using any complementary approach was similar amongst individuals with recent cancer (40.17%), non-recent cancer (37.75%), and no cancer diagnosis (37.93%). However, odds of use were higher amongst recent (OR = 1.37) and relatively long term (OR = 1.14) cancer survivors compared to those without a history of cancer in adjusted models (both p < 0.05). In cancer survivors, mind-body approaches were mostly used for general health purposes, whereas manipulative approaches were used for general health and pain management. Female sex, younger age, higher education and income were among the prominent variables associated with using complementary approaches. CONCLUSION We present an important snapshot of the landscape of using complementary approaches, specifically mind and body practices, in adult cancer survivors in the US. Inequalities in access to these therapies may exist, as use remains highest amongst those with higher socioeconomic conditions. IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS Given the prevalence and potential benefits of complementary approaches among cancer survivors, there is a need to better understand their effectiveness, optimal use, and integration into cancer care. Further research is needed to understand and address access barriers that might exist amongst some cancer survivors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamie L Romeiser
- Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, USA.
| | - Zhi Chen
- Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, USA
| | - Kaushal Nanavati
- Upstate Cancer Center, Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, USA
- Department of Family Medicine, Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, USA
| | - Augusta A Williams
- Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, USA
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Glawe MM, Ong LZ, Callender KA, Wesson B, Schubert E. Natural Health Community Program and Well-Being: An Uncontrolled Study of Women Survivors of Domestic Violence. Violence Against Women 2024:10778012241265367. [PMID: 39043118 DOI: 10.1177/10778012241265367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/25/2024]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to evaluate a local natural healing service program and to explore how engagement in natural healing services related to the well-being of survivors of domestic violence. Using longitudinal secondary data, we conducted t-tests, regression, and correlation analysis on three measures (hope, distress, and empowerment) that were completed by the participants (N = 31). We provided evidence of the positive impact of a community-based natural healing services program on the well-being of survivors of domestic violence, specifically their sense of hope. This research represents the potential for natural healing services provided at the community level.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lee Za Ong
- Marquette University, Milwaukee, WI, USA
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Srinivasan R, Rodgers-Melnick SN, Rivard RL, Kaiser C, Vincent D, Adan F, Dusek JA. Implementing paper-based patient-reported outcome collection within outpatient integrative health and medicine. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0303985. [PMID: 38809886 PMCID: PMC11135778 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0303985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2024] [Accepted: 05/04/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the feasibility of pre- and post-encounter patient-reported outcome (PRO) measure collection within an outpatient integrative health and medicine (IHM) clinic and to characterize factors associated with successful completion. METHODS We conducted a retrospective review of 27,464 outpatient IHM encounters including 9,520 chiropractic; 8,237 acupuncture; 5,847 massage; 2,345 IHM consultation; and 1,515 osteopathic manipulation treatment encounters at four clinics offering IHM over 18 months. Patients were asked to complete paper questionnaires rating pain, anxiety, and stress from 0-10 immediately pre- and post-encounter. Generalized linear mixed effect regression models were used to examine the relationship between demographic, clinical, and operational covariates and completing (1) pre-encounter and (2) paired (i.e., pre and post) PROs. RESULTS Patients (N = 5587, mean age 49 years, 74% white, 77% female) generally presented for musculoskeletal conditions (81.7%), with a chief complaint of pain (55.1%). 21,852 (79.6%) encounters were among patients who completed pre-encounter PROs; 11,709/21,852 (53.6%) completed subsequent post-encounter PROs. Odds of PRO completion were more impacted by provider, operational, and clinical-level factors than patient factors. Covariates associated with increased odds of pre-encounter PRO completion included being female, having additional IHM encounters, and having a pain or anxiety complaint. Covariates associated with increased odds of paired PRO completion included being aged 31-40 vs. 51-60 years and having additional IHM encounters. CONCLUSION Implementing a paper-based PRO collection system in outpatient IHM is feasible; however, collecting post-encounter PROs was challenging. Future endeavors should leverage the electronic health record and patient portals to optimize PRO collection and engage patients and clinical providers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roshini Srinivasan
- Connor Whole Health, University Hospitals of Cleveland, Cleveland, OH, United States of America
- Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, United States of America
| | - Samuel N. Rodgers-Melnick
- Connor Whole Health, University Hospitals of Cleveland, Cleveland, OH, United States of America
- Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, United States of America
| | - Rachael L. Rivard
- Connor Whole Health, University Hospitals of Cleveland, Cleveland, OH, United States of America
- Center for Evaluation Survey and Research, HealthPartners Institute, Minneapolis, MN, United States of America
| | - Christine Kaiser
- Connor Whole Health, University Hospitals of Cleveland, Cleveland, OH, United States of America
| | - David Vincent
- Connor Whole Health, University Hospitals of Cleveland, Cleveland, OH, United States of America
| | - Francoise Adan
- Connor Whole Health, University Hospitals of Cleveland, Cleveland, OH, United States of America
- Department of Psychiatry, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, United States of America
| | - Jeffery A. Dusek
- Susan Samueli Integrative Health Institute, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States of America
- Department of Medicine, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States of America
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Rodgers-Melnick SN, Srinivasan R, Rivard RL, Adan F, Dusek JA. Immediate Effects of Integrative Health and Medicine Modalities Among Outpatients With Moderate-To-Severe Symptoms. GLOBAL ADVANCES IN INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE AND HEALTH 2024; 13:27536130241254070. [PMID: 38737216 PMCID: PMC11088302 DOI: 10.1177/27536130241254070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2023] [Revised: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024]
Abstract
Background Patients seeking integrative health and medicine (IHM) modalities often present with multiple physical and psychological concerns. Research supports IHM's effectiveness for addressing symptoms over longer time periods. However, few studies have evaluated immediate outpatient effects. Objective This study describes pre-encounter patient-reported outcome (PRO) clusters and examines the immediate clinical effectiveness of IHM modalities on pain, stress, and anxiety among outpatients with moderate-to-severe symptoms. Methods A retrospective review was conducted of encounters among adults presenting to outpatient acupuncture, chiropractic, massage, integrative medicine consultation, or osteopathic manipulation treatment between January 2019 and July 2020. Encounters were included if patients reported pre-encounter pain, stress, or anxiety ≥4 on a numeric rating scale (NRS). Outcome analyses included random effects for patient and provider using a mixed model. Results Across 7335 clinical encounters among 2530 unique patients (mean age: 49.14 years; 81.0% female; 75.9% White; 15.8% Black/African American), the most common pre-encounter PRO clusters were pain, stress, and anxiety ≥4 (32.4%); pain ≥4 only (31.3%); and stress and anxiety ≥4 (15.6%). Clinically meaningful single-encounter mean [95% CI] changes were observed across all modalities in pain (-2.50 [-2.83, -2.17]), stress (-3.22 [-3.62, -2.82]), and anxiety (-3.05 [-3.37, -2.73]). Conclusion Patients presenting to outpatient IHM with moderate-to-severe symptoms most often presented with pain, stress, and anxiety ≥4 on the NRS. Multiple IHM modalities yielded clinically meaningful (≥2 unit) immediate reductions in these symptoms. Future research measuring immediate and longitudinal effectiveness is needed to optimize the triage and coordination of IHM modalities to meet patients' needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel N. Rodgers-Melnick
- Connor Whole Health, University Hospitals of Cleveland, Cleveland, OH, USA
- Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Roshini Srinivasan
- Connor Whole Health, University Hospitals of Cleveland, Cleveland, OH, USA
- Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Rachael L. Rivard
- Connor Whole Health, University Hospitals of Cleveland, Cleveland, OH, USA
- Center for Evaluation and Survey Research, HealthPartners Institute, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Francoise Adan
- Connor Whole Health, University Hospitals of Cleveland, Cleveland, OH, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Jeffery A. Dusek
- Department of Medicine, University of California – Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
- Susan Samueli Integrative Health Institute, University of California – Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
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Segall TL, Rodgers-Melnick SN, Surdam J, Srinivasan R, Dusek JA. Patient Experience and Attitudes Toward Electronic Intake and Patient-Reported Outcomes Within an Outpatient Whole Health Center. GLOBAL ADVANCES IN INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE AND HEALTH 2024; 13:27536130241280181. [PMID: 39350961 PMCID: PMC11440562 DOI: 10.1177/27536130241280181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2024] [Revised: 06/17/2024] [Accepted: 08/15/2024] [Indexed: 10/04/2024]
Abstract
Background: The use of electronic intake forms within the electronic health record (EHR) is an emerging method for routinely collecting patient-reported outcomes (PRO). However, few studies have evaluated experiences/perspectives toward electronic forms among outpatients receiving care within Integrative Health and Medicine (IHM) clinics. The study purpose was to understand patients' perspectives of electronic intake and PRO forms in the outpatient IHM setting. Methods: Electronic intake (e.g., treatment expectations, medical history, chief complaints, prior experience with integrative modalities) and PRO forms (i.e., Patient Reported Outcome Measurement Information System [PROMIS]-29, Perceived Stress Scale 4, Oswestry Disability Index) were designed in collaboration with clinic leadership and the Information Technology team. Semi-structured interviews were used to gather perspectives of the functionality and acceptability of the forms among outpatients receiving care at the IHM center. Interviews were coded to describe themes regarding perceptions and suggestions for improvement. Results: Qualitative interviews were completed with 10 participants (median age 51 years, 70% female, 30% Black/African American). Participants considered electronic intake and PRO forms as relevant to their health concerns, valuable for conveying important health information to providers, and easy to navigate. Suggested changes to the intake form included adding relevant open-ended questions, save and print functions, and examples and definitions to prompt responses. Conclusion: Participants felt the electronic format was a feasible and acceptable method of collecting patient information and PROs. Future goals are to implement the revised forms in a common EHR to patients receiving care at multiple IHM clinics across the United States.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tracy L Segall
- Connor Whole Health, University Hospitals of Cleveland, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Samuel N Rodgers-Melnick
- Connor Whole Health, University Hospitals of Cleveland, Cleveland, OH, USA
- Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Jessica Surdam
- Connor Whole Health, University Hospitals of Cleveland, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Roshini Srinivasan
- Connor Whole Health, University Hospitals of Cleveland, Cleveland, OH, USA
- School of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Jeffery A Dusek
- Susan Samueli Integrative Health Institute, University of California - Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of California - Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
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Correia de Carvalho M, Nunes de Azevedo J, Azevedo P, Pires C, Machado JP, Laranjeira M. Effectiveness of Acupuncture on Health-Related Quality of Life in Patients Receiving Maintenance Hemodialysis. Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 11:1355. [PMID: 37174896 PMCID: PMC10178503 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11091355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2023] [Revised: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Patients with kidney failure (KF) receiving maintenance hemodialysis (HD) experience numerous symptoms that impair their health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and contribute to high mortality rates. Acupuncture is often used for symptom enhancement and HRQOL. This blinded, randomized, controlled patient-assessor trial evaluated the effectiveness of acupuncture compared with sham acupuncture on patients' HRQOL receiving maintenance HD as a secondary analysis. Seventy-two participants were randomly assigned to verum acupuncture (VA), sham acupuncture (SA), or waiting-list (WL) groups. The outcome was an improvement in HRQOL, assessed using the Kidney Disease Quality of Life-Short Form, version 1.3 (KDQOL-SF™ v1.3) at baseline, after treatment, and at 12-week follow-up. Non-parametric tests were used for statistical analysis. Of the 72 randomized patients, 67 were included in the complete analysis set. As for the changes between baseline and after treatment, the VA group showed significantly increased scores on most of the KDQOL-SF™ v1.3 scales compared to SA or WL groups (p < 0.05). No statistically significant differences between groups were observed in the changes from baseline to follow-up (p > 0.05). Compared to the sham treatment, acupuncture improved the HRQOL in patients receiving maintenance HD after treatment but not at follow-up.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Pedro Azevedo
- TECSAM-Tecnologia e Serviços Médicos SA, 5370-530 Mirandela, Portugal
| | - Carlos Pires
- Center for Research in Neuropsychology and Cognitive and Behavioral Intervention (CINEICC), Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, University of Coimbra, 3000-115 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Jorge Pereira Machado
- ICBAS, School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
- CBSin, Center of BioSciences in Integrative Health, 4000-105 Porto, Portugal
| | - Manuel Laranjeira
- ICBAS, School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
- INC, Instituto de Neurociências, 4100-141 Porto, Portugal
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Ahuja AS, Polascik BW, Doddapaneni D, Byrnes ES, Sridhar J. The Digital Metaverse: Applications in Artificial Intelligence, Medical Education, and Integrative Health. Integr Med Res 2023; 12:100917. [PMID: 36691642 PMCID: PMC9860100 DOI: 10.1016/j.imr.2022.100917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2022] [Revised: 11/06/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Abhimanyu S. Ahuja
- Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL, United States of America
| | - Bryce W. Polascik
- Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Divyesh Doddapaneni
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, United States of America
| | - Eamonn S. Byrnes
- Department of Internal Medicine, Orlando Regional Medical Center, Orlando, Florida, United States of America
| | - Jayanth Sridhar
- Department of Ophthalmology, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, United States of America,Corresponding author at: Jayanth Sridhar, Department of Ophthalmology, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, 900 NW 17th Street, Miami, FL, 33136.
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Groninger H, Nemati D, Cates C, Jordan K, Kelemen A, Shipp G, Munk N. Massage Therapy for Hospitalized Patients Receiving Palliative Care: A Randomized Clinical Trial. J Pain Symptom Manage 2023; 65:428-441. [PMID: 36731805 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2023.01.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Revised: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Massage therapy is increasingly used in palliative settings to improve quality of life (QoL) and symptom burden; however, the optimal massage "dosage" remains unclear. OBJECTIVES To compare three massage dosing strategies among inpatients receiving palliative care consultation. METHODS At an urban academic hospital, we conducted a three-armed randomized trial examining three different doses of therapist-applied massage to test change in overall QoL and symptoms among hospitalized adult patients receiving palliative care consultation for any indication (Arm I: 10-min massage daily × 3 days; Arm II: 20-min massage daily × 3 days; Arm III: single 20-min massage). Primary outcome measure was single-item McGill QoL question. Secondary outcomes measured pain/symptoms, rating of peacefulness, and satisfaction with intervention. Data were collected at baseline, pre- and post-treatment, and one-day postlast treatment (follow-up). Repeated measure analysis of variance and paired t-test were used to determine significant differences. RESULTS Total n = 387 patients were 55.7 (±15.49) years old, mostly women (61.2%) and African-American (65.6%). All three arms demonstrated within-group improvement at follow-up for McGill QoL (all P < 0.05). No significant between-group differences were found. Finally, repeated measure analyses demonstrated time to predict immediate improvement in distress (P ≤ 0.003) and pain (P ≤ 0.02) for all study arms; however, only improvement in distress sustained at follow-up measurement in arms with three consecutive daily massages of 10 or 20 minutes. CONCLUSION Massage therapy in complex patients with advanced illness was beneficial beyond dosage. Findings support session length (10 or 20 minutes) was predictive of short-term improvements while treatment frequency (once or three consecutive days) predicted sustained improvement at follow-up.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hunter Groninger
- Georgetown University Medical Center/MedStar Health (H.G., A.K.) Washington, District of Columbia, USA.
| | - Donya Nemati
- Indiana University School of Health and Human Sciences (D.N., N.M.) Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Department of Health Sciences (D.N., N.M.) Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Cal Cates
- Healwell (C.C., K.J.) Arlington, Virginia, USA
| | | | - Anne Kelemen
- Georgetown University Medical Center/MedStar Health (H.G., A.K.) Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Gianna Shipp
- Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine (G.S.) Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Niki Munk
- Indiana University School of Health and Human Sciences (D.N., N.M.) Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Department of Health Sciences (D.N., N.M.) Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Australian Research Centre in Complementary and Integrative Medicine (ARCCIM), Massage & Myotherapy Australia Fellow and Visiting Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney (N.M.) Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; National Centre for Naturopathic Medicine, Southern Cross University (N.M.) East Lismore, New South Wales, Australia
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Dyer NL, Baldwin AL, Pharo R, Gray F. Evaluation of a Distance Reiki Program for Frontline Healthcare Workers' Health-Related Quality of Life During the COVID-19 Pandemic. GLOBAL ADVANCES IN INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE AND HEALTH 2023; 12:27536130231187368. [PMID: 37614464 PMCID: PMC10443426 DOI: 10.1177/27536130231187368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Revised: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023]
Abstract
Background Reiki is a biofield therapy which is based on the explanatory model that the fields of energy and information of living systems can be influenced to promote relaxation and stimulate a healing response. Objective To conduct a pragmatic within-subject pilot trial of a remote Reiki program for frontline healthcare workers' health-related symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods Healthcare professionals in the UK (eg, physicians, nurses, and paramedics) were eligible to sign up for a distance Reiki program and were also invited to participate in the research study. Eight Reiki practitioners simultaneously gave each participant Reiki remotely for 20 minutes on 4 consecutive days. Feasibility of the research was assessed, including recruitment, data completeness, acceptability and intervention fidelity, and preliminary evaluation of changes in outcome measures. Participants' stress, anxiety, pain, wellbeing, and sleep quality were evaluated with 7-point numerical rating scales. Measures were completed when signing up to receive Reiki (pre) and following the final Reiki session (post). Pre and post data were analyzed using Wilcoxon signed ranks tests. Results Seventy-nine healthcare professionals signed up to receive Reiki and took the baseline measures. Of those, 40 completed post-measures after the 4-day intervention and were therefore included in the pre-post analysis. Most participants were female (97.5%), and the mean age was 43.9 years old (standard deviations = 11.2). The study was feasible to conduct, with satisfactory recruitment, data completeness, acceptability, and fidelity. Wilcoxon signed ranks tests revealed statistically significant decreases in stress (M = -2.33; P < .001), anxiety (M = -2.79; P < .001) and pain (M = -.79; P < .001), and significant increases in wellbeing (M = -1.79; P < .001) and sleep quality (M = -1.33; P = .019). Conclusions The Reiki program was feasible and was associated with decreased stress, anxiety and pain, and increased wellbeing and sleep quality in frontline healthcare workers impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ann L. Baldwin
- Department of Physiology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
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