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Liu Y, Zhao L, Chen F, Li X, Han J, Sun X, Bian M. Comparative efficacy and safety of multiple acupuncture therapies for post stroke cognitive impairment: a network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Front Neurol 2023; 14:1218095. [PMID: 37638181 PMCID: PMC10447897 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1218095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Acupuncture therapy has been widely used to treat post-stroke cognitive impairment (PSCI). However, acupuncture therapy includes multiple forms. Which acupuncture therapy provides the best treatment outcome for patients with PSCI remains controversial. Objective We aimed to compare and evaluate the efficacy and safety of different acupuncture-related therapies for PSCI in an attempt to identify the best acupuncture therapies that can improve cognitive function and self-care in daily life for patients with PSCI, and bring new insights to clinical practice. Method We searched eight databases including PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, China Biomedical Literature Database (CBM), China Science and Technology Journal (VIP) database, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) database, and Wan fang database to find randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of acupuncture-related therapies for PSCI from the inception of the database to January 2023. Two researchers independently assessed the risk of bias in the included studies and extracted the study data. Pairwise meta-analyzes for direct comparisons were performed using Rev. Man 5.4 software. Bayesian network meta-analysis (NMA) was performed using STATA 17.0 and R4.2.4 software. The quality of evidence from the included studies was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) system. Adverse effects (AEs) associated with acupuncture therapy were collected by reading the full text of the included studies to assess the safety of acupuncture therapy. Results A total of 62 RCTs (3 three-arm trials and 59 two-arm trials) involving 5,073 participants were included in this study. In the paired meta-analysis, most acupuncture-related therapies had a positive effect on cognitive function and self-care of daily living in patients with PSCI compared with cognitive training. Bayesian NMA results suggested that ophthalmic acupuncture plus cognitive training (79.7%) was the best acupuncture therapy for improving MMSE scores, with scalp acupuncture plus cognitive training ranking as the second (73.7%). The MoCA results suggested that warm acupuncture plus cognitive training (86.5%) was the best acupuncture therapy. In terms of improvement in daily living self-care, scalp acupuncture plus body acupuncture (87.5%) was the best acupuncture therapy for improving MBI scores. The most common minor AEs included subcutaneous hematoma, dizziness, sleepiness, and pallor. Conclusion According to our Bayesian NMA results, ophthalmic acupuncture plus cognitive training and warm acupuncture plus cognitive training were the most effective acupuncture treatments for improving cognitive function, while scalp acupuncture plus body acupuncture was the best acupuncture treatment for improving the performance of self-care in daily life in patients with PSCI. No serious adverse effects were found in the included studies, and acupuncture treatment appears to be safe and reliable. However, due to the low methodological quality of the included studies, our findings need to be treated with caution. High-quality studies are urgently needed to validate our findings. Systematic review registration https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/#recordDetails, identifier: CRD42022378353.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Liu
- Department of Acupuncture, First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, China
| | - Lu Zhao
- Department of Acupuncture, First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, China
| | - Fuyan Chen
- Department of Acupuncture, First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, China
| | - Xingping Li
- Department of Acupuncture, First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, China
| | - Jiangqin Han
- Department of Acupuncture, First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, China
| | - Xiaowei Sun
- Department of Acupuncture, First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, China
| | - Mingtong Bian
- Department of Acupuncture, First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, China
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2
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Song X, Wang J, Bai L, Zou W. Bibliometric Analysis of 100 Most Highly Cited Publications on Acupuncture for Migraine. J Pain Res 2023; 16:725-747. [PMID: 36923648 PMCID: PMC10010187 DOI: 10.2147/jpr.s396909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Migraine is a serious global health concern that imposed a huge economic burden on social health care. Over the past few decades, the analgesic effects of acupuncture have been widely recognized, and there is a growing body of research on acupuncture for migraine. Citation analysis is a branch of bibliometrics that helps researchers analyze and identify historical or landmark studies within the scientific literature. Currently, there is no analysis of the 100 most highly cited publications on acupuncture for migraine. Methods The 100 most highly cited publications on acupuncture for migraine were screened using the Science Citation Index Expanded of the Web of Science Core Collection database. CiteSpace and VOSviewer programs were used for bibliometric analysis. Results A total of 493 publications on acupuncture for migraine were identified. 100 of the most highly cited publications on acupuncture for migraine were published from 1984-2020. These publications were cited 6142 times with an h-index of 44 and 84% were original articles. The highest frequency of citations was 416. A total of 335 authors were involved in the study with 37 lead authors. 212 institutions from 20 countries contributed to the 100 most highly cited publications. The most published studies came from the United States (n=36), followed by China (n=27) and Germany (n=26). The Technical University of Munich published the largest number of papers (n = 15). Top-cited publications mainly came from the Headache (n=13, citations=582). Neuroimaging is gradually emerging as a hot topic of research. Conclusion This is the first bibliometric analysis to offer a thorough list of the 100 most highly cited papers on acupuncture for migraine, demonstrating significant progress and emerging trends in this field to assist researchers in determining the direction for further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue Song
- The First Clinical Medical College, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiaqi Wang
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, People's Republic of China
| | - Lu Bai
- The First Clinical Medical College, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Zou
- First Affiliated Hospital, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, Heilongjiang, People's Republic of China
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Yoon SH, Kwon CY, Jo HG, Sul JU, Lee H, Won J, Jeong SJ, Lee JH, Leem J. Safety of acupotomy in a real-world setting: A prospective pilot and feasibility study. JOURNAL OF INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE 2022; 20:514-523. [PMID: 36050272 DOI: 10.1016/j.joim.2022.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2021] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Acupotomy is a modern acupuncture method that includes modern surgical methods. Since acupotomy is relatively more invasive than filiform acupuncture treatment, it is important to establish the safety profile of this practice. To justify further large-scale prospective observational studies, this preliminary study was performed to assess the feasibility of the approach and investigate the safety profile and factors potentially associated with adverse events (AEs). METHODS This was a prospective pilot study that assessed the feasibility of a large-scale forthcoming safety study on acupotomy treatment in a real-world setting. The feasibility (call response rate, drop-out rate, response rate for each variable and recruitment per month) and safety profile (incidence, type, severity and causality of AEs, and factors potentially associated with AEs) were measured. RESULTS A total of 28 participants joined the study from January to May 2018. A follow-up assessment was achieved in 258 (1185 treatment points) out of 261 sessions (1214 treatment points). The response rate via telephone on the day after treatment was 87.3%. There were 8 systemic AEs in all the sessions (8/258; 3.11%) and 27 local AEs on the total points treated (27/1185; 2.28%). Severe AEs did not occur. Total AE and local AE occurrence were associated with blade width and the number of needle stimulations per treatment point. CONCLUSION The findings suggest that it could be feasible to analyze the safety of acupotomy in a real-world setting. Moreover, the primary data on some relevant AEs could be determined. We are planning large-scale prospective studies based on these findings. TRIAL REGISTRATION Clinical Research Information Service (CRIS) KCT0002849 (https://cris.nih.go.kr/cris/search/detailSearch.do/11487).
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Affiliation(s)
- Sang-Hoon Yoon
- Chung-Yeon Korean Medicine Clinic, Gangnam-gu, Seoul 06224, Republic of Korea
| | - Chan-Young Kwon
- Department of Oriental Neuropsychiatry, Dong-eui University College of Korean Medicine, Busanjin-gu, Busan 47340, Republic of Korea
| | - Hee-Geun Jo
- Department of Herbal Pharmacology, College of Korean Medicine, Gachon University, 1342 Seongnamdae-ro, Sujeong-gu, Seongnam 13120, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae-Uk Sul
- Department of Korean Rehabilitation Medicine, Dongshin University Korean Medicine Hospital, Gwangju 61619, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyangsook Lee
- Acupuncture and Meridian Science Research Center, Kyung Hee University, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea; Department of Science in Korean Medicine, Graduate School, Kyung Hee University, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Jiyoon Won
- KM Science Research Division, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine, Daejeon 34054, Republic of Korea
| | - Su Jin Jeong
- Department of Statistics Support, Medical Science Research Institute, Kyung Hee University Medical Center, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Jun-Hwan Lee
- Clinical Medicine Division, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34054, Republic of Korea; Korean Medicine Life Science, University of Science & Technology (UST), Campus of Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34054, Republic of Korea.
| | - Jungtae Leem
- College of Korean Medicine, Wonkwang University, Iksan, Jeollabuk-do 54538, Republic of Korea.
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Khan K, Mistry H, Matharu M, Norman C, Petrou S, Stewart K, Underwood M, Achana F. Mapping between headache specific and generic preference-based health-related quality of life measures. BMC Med Res Methodol 2022; 22:277. [PMID: 36289468 PMCID: PMC9597975 DOI: 10.1186/s12874-022-01762-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The Headache Impact Test (HIT-6) and the Chronic Headache Questionnaire (CH-QLQ) measure headache-related quality of life but are not preference-based and therefore cannot be used to generate health utilities for cost-effectiveness analyses. There are currently no established algorithms for mapping between the HIT-6 or CH-QLQ and preference-based health-related quality-of-life measures for chronic headache population. Methods We developed algorithms for generating EQ-5D-5L and SF-6D utilities from the HIT-6 and the CHQLQ using both direct and response mapping approaches. A multi-stage model selection process was used to assess the predictive accuracy of the models. The estimated mapping algorithms were derived to generate UK tariffs and was validated using the Chronic Headache Education and Self-management Study (CHESS) trial dataset. Results Several models were developed that reasonably accurately predict health utilities in this context. The best performing model for predicting EQ-5D-5L utility scores from the HIT-6 scores was a Censored Least Absolute Deviations (CLAD) (1) model that only included the HIT-6 score as the covariate (mean squared error (MSE) 0.0550). The selected model for CH-QLQ to EQ-5D-5L was the CLAD (3) model that included CH-QLQ summary scores, age, and gender, squared terms and interaction terms as covariates (MSE 0.0583). The best performing model for predicting SF-6D utility scores from the HIT-6 scores was the CLAD (2) model that included the HIT-6 score and age and gender as covariates (MSE 0.0102). The selected model for CH-QLQ to SF-6D was the OLS (2) model that included CH-QLQ summary scores, age, and gender as covariates (MSE 0.0086). Conclusion The developed algorithms enable the estimation of EQ-5D-5L and SF-6D utilities from two headache-specific questionnaires where preference-based health-related quality of life data are missing. However, further work is needed to help define the best approach to measuring health utilities in headache studies. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12874-022-01762-y.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kamran Khan
- grid.7372.10000 0000 8809 1613Warwick Clinical Trials Unit, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL UK ,grid.7372.10000 0000 8809 1613Centre for Health Economics, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL UK
| | - Hema Mistry
- grid.7372.10000 0000 8809 1613Warwick Clinical Trials Unit, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL UK ,grid.7372.10000 0000 8809 1613Centre for Health Economics, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL UK ,grid.412570.50000 0004 0400 5079University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire, Coventry, CV2 2DX UK
| | - Manjit Matharu
- grid.436283.80000 0004 0612 2631Headache Group, Institute of Neurology and The National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, Queen Square, London, WC1N 3BG UK
| | - Chloe Norman
- grid.7372.10000 0000 8809 1613Warwick Clinical Trials Unit, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL UK
| | - Stavros Petrou
- grid.7372.10000 0000 8809 1613Warwick Clinical Trials Unit, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL UK ,grid.4991.50000 0004 1936 8948Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX2 6GG UK
| | - Kimberley Stewart
- grid.7372.10000 0000 8809 1613Warwick Clinical Trials Unit, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL UK
| | - Martin Underwood
- grid.7372.10000 0000 8809 1613Warwick Clinical Trials Unit, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL UK ,grid.412570.50000 0004 0400 5079University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire, Coventry, CV2 2DX UK
| | - Felix Achana
- grid.7372.10000 0000 8809 1613Centre for Health Economics, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL UK ,grid.4991.50000 0004 1936 8948Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX2 6GG UK
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Su XT, Sun N, Zhang N, Wang LQ, Zou X, Li JL, Yang JW, Shi GX, Liu CZ. Effectiveness and Safety of Acupuncture for Vascular Cognitive Impairment: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Front Aging Neurosci 2021; 13:692508. [PMID: 34421571 PMCID: PMC8377366 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2021.692508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2021] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Acupuncture may be a promising complementary therapy for vascular cognitive impairment (VCI) and has been extensively applied in China. However, its potential effects remain uncertain, and the clinical findings are inconsistent. This review aimed to systematically appraise the overall effectiveness and safety of acupuncture in treating VCI. Methods: To investigate the effects of acupuncture on VCI from inception to February 28, 2021 using randomized clinical trials (RCTs), seven electro-databases [Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), PubMed, Embase, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Chinese Biomedical Literature Database (CBM), VIP, and Wanfang] were searched. Two independent investigators identified the eligible RCTs and extracted data into predesigned forms. The risk of bias (ROB) within each individual trial was evaluated using the Cochrane Collaboration's tool. Meta-analyses were conducted for calculating comparative effects in the RevMan software (version 5.3). The strength of attained evidence was rated using the online GRADEpro approach. Results: A total of 48 RCTs involving 3,778 patients with VCI were included. The pooled data demonstrated that acupuncture was more beneficial for a global cognitive function [mean difference (MD) 1.86, 95% CI 1.19-2.54, p < 0.01] and activities of daily living (MD -3.08, 95% CI -4.81 to -1.35, p < 0.01) compared with western medicine (WM). The favorable results were also observed when acupuncture was combined with WM (MD 2.37, 95% CI 1.6-3.14, p < 0.01) or usual care (UC, MD 4.4, 95% CI 1.61-7.19, p = 0.002) in comparison with the corresponding control conditions. Meanwhile, the subgroup analysis did not indicate a statistical effect difference between manual acupuncture (MA) and electroacupuncture (EA) (inter-group I 2 < 50% and p > 0.1) when comparing acupuncture with WM. There were no significant differences in the occurrence of adverse events (AEs) between the acupuncture group and the control group (p > 0.05). Owing to the poor methodological quality and considerable heterogeneity among studies, the certainty of the evidence was low or very low. Conclusions: This review suggests that acupuncture as a monotherapy or an adjuvant therapy may play a positive role in improving the cognition and daily performance of VCI patients associated with few side effects. The difference in styles may not significantly influence its effectiveness. More rigorously designed and preregistered RCTs are highly desirable to verify the therapeutic benefits and determine an optimal acupuncture paradigm. The methodological and reporting quality of future researches should be enhanced by adhering to authoritative standardized statements. Systematic Review Registration: [PROSPERO], identifier [No. CRD42017071820].
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin-Tong Su
- International Acupuncture and Moxibustion Innovation Institute, School of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Tuina, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
- Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) in the Prevention and Rehabilitation of Stroke Task Force, World Stroke Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Ning Sun
- Acupuncture and Tuina School/The 3rd Teaching Hospital, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Na Zhang
- School of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Tuina, Shandong University of Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Li-Qiong Wang
- International Acupuncture and Moxibustion Innovation Institute, School of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Tuina, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Xuan Zou
- International Acupuncture and Moxibustion Innovation Institute, School of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Tuina, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Jin-Ling Li
- International Acupuncture and Moxibustion Innovation Institute, School of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Tuina, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Jing-Wen Yang
- International Acupuncture and Moxibustion Innovation Institute, School of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Tuina, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Guang-Xia Shi
- International Acupuncture and Moxibustion Innovation Institute, School of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Tuina, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Cun-Zhi Liu
- International Acupuncture and Moxibustion Innovation Institute, School of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Tuina, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
- Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) in the Prevention and Rehabilitation of Stroke Task Force, World Stroke Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
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King C, Stamey JD. Sample size determination for a Bayesian cost-effectiveness model with structural zero costs. COMMUN STAT-SIMUL C 2021. [DOI: 10.1080/03610918.2021.1901916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Clay King
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Colorado Mesa University, Grand Junction, CO, USA
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Yoon SH, Kim SA, Lee GY, Kim H, Lee JH, Leem J. Using magnetic resonance imaging to measure the depth of acupotomy points in the lumbar spine: A retrospective study. Integr Med Res 2020; 10:100679. [PMID: 33898243 PMCID: PMC8054160 DOI: 10.1016/j.imr.2020.100679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2020] [Revised: 10/02/2020] [Accepted: 10/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The acupotomy is an acupuncture device recently used to stimulate lumbar vertebrae such as transverse processes (TPs) and facet joints (FJs). However, there are many organs, nerves, and blood vessels, which can lead to side effects if the needle misses the treatment target. Therefore, information regarding appropriate insertion depths, which is currently lacking, could facilitate its safe use. We retrospectively investigated the depth from the skin to the TP and FJ of the lumbar vertebrae, using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Methods This retrospective chart review was conducted at a single medical centre in Korea. From 55,129 patient records, 158 subjects were selected. Perpendicular depth from the skin to the left and right TPs and FJs was measured using T1-weighted sagittal plane MRI. Depth differences between the left and right sides were evaluated using the paired t-test and analysis of covariance (body mass index [BMI] as a covariate). The influence of BMI on depth at each location was evaluated by simple linear regression analysis. Results The mean age was 43.2 years and mean BMI was 23.6 kg/m2. The depth from skin to the TPs or FJs was unaffected by age, sex, or side. Mean depths (cm) were as follows: (TPs) L1 = 4.5, L2 = 4.9, L3 = 5.3, L4 = 5.7, L5 = 5.9; (FJs) L12 = 3.8, L23 = 4.0, L34 = 4.4, L45 = 4.6, L5S1 = 4.6. Depth was highly correlated with BMI at each location. Conclusion The depth of TPs and FJs adjusted for BMI can safely and effectively be used for treatment via various invasive interventions, including acupotomy treatment, in the lumbar region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sang-Hoon Yoon
- Chung-Yeon Central Institute, Gwangju, Republic of Korea
| | - Shin-Ae Kim
- Chung-Yeon Korean Medicine Hospital, Gwangju, Republic of Korea
| | - Geon-Yeong Lee
- Chung-Yeon Korean Medicine Hospital, Gwangju, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyunho Kim
- Chung-Yeon Central Institute, Gwangju, Republic of Korea
| | - Jun-Hwan Lee
- Clinical Medicine Division, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Jungtae Leem
- Chung-Yeon Central Institute, Gwangju, Republic of Korea.,Research Center of Traditional Korean Medicine, Wonkwang University, Iksan, Republic of Korea
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Laube JG, Salles Araujo T, Taw LB. Integrative East-West Medicine Intervention for Chronic Daily Headache: A Case Report and Care Perspective. Glob Adv Health Med 2020; 9:2164956120905817. [PMID: 32110474 PMCID: PMC7019391 DOI: 10.1177/2164956120905817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2019] [Accepted: 01/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic daily headache is a group of headache syndromes including most commonly chronic migraine and chronic tension-type headache, which often overlap, are complicated by medication overuse and are disabling, costly, and variable responsive to western pharmacotherapeutic interventions. There is growing research and awareness of integrative health approaches and therapies to address patients with chronic headache, yet limited examples of how to deliver this approach. This article reviews a commonly seen challenging case of a patient with overlapping chronic migraine and chronic tension-type headache complicated by medication overuse managed with an integrative east-west medicine intervention. This included person-centered biopsychosocial history taking, traditional Chinese medicine informed acupuncture, trigger point injections, and contributing factors modifications. A narrative review of the literature is presented to demonstrate an evidence-informed rationale for incorporating nonpharmacologic approaches to effectively help reduce the symptom burden of this patient population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin G Laube
- UCLA Center for East-West Medicine, Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California.,Division of General Internal Medicine and Health Service Research, Department of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - Thais Salles Araujo
- UCLA Center for East-West Medicine, Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California
| | - Lawrence B Taw
- UCLA Center for East-West Medicine, Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California.,Division of General Internal Medicine and Health Service Research, Department of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
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Acupuncture for type 2 diabetes mellitus: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Complement Ther Clin Pract 2019; 36:100-112. [PMID: 31383426 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctcp.2019.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2019] [Revised: 04/12/2019] [Accepted: 04/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Acupuncture has been used to treat type 2 diabetes (T2DM) for 2000 years and there are emerging clinical evidence and animal studies for its efficacy. However, we are unable to conclude the effectiveness and safety on this issue yet. OBJECTIVES To assess the effects and safety of acupuncture for T2DM. METHODS We systematically searched 5 databases and 2 clinical registry platforms from inception to 2018-6-4. RCTs for acupuncture or its variants compared with sham acupuncture or no acupuncture controls for T2DM were included. The primary outcomes were glycemic control and adverse events. RESULTS A total of 21 studies, which comprised a total of 1943 participants, were included in the final meta-analysis. Compared with sham acupuncture or no acupuncture plus baseline treatments, acupuncture plus baseline treatments yield reduction in FBG(MD 1.21 mmol/l, 95%CI 1.56 to 0.87), 2 h BG(MD 2.13 mmol/l, 95%CI 2.79 to 1.46), HA1c (MD 1.12%, 95%CI 1.62 to 0.62). Our results also show acupuncture can improve blood lipids and blood pressure control, and reduce weight. CONCLUSIONS As one type of multifactorial intervention, acupuncture could be recommended as a supplementary treatment in the management of T2DM, especially in those with obesity or metabolic disorders. However, due to the small sample size, poor methodological quality of trials reviewed, the amount of evidence is not fully convincing. There is a need for well-planned, long-term studies. REGISTRATION International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (Number CRD42018094573).
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Neilson AR, Jones GT, Macfarlane GJ, Walker-Bone K, Burton K, Heine PJ, McCabe CS, McConnachie A, Palmer KT, Coggon D, McNamee P. Cost-utility of maintained physical activity and physiotherapy in the management of distal arm pain: an economic evaluation of data from a randomized controlled trial. Fam Pract 2019; 36:179-186. [PMID: 29878103 PMCID: PMC6425461 DOI: 10.1093/fampra/cmy047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Arm pain is common, costly to health services and society. Physiotherapy referral is standard management, and while awaiting treatment, advice is often given to rest, but the evidence base is weak. OBJECTIVE To assess the cost-effectiveness of advice to remain active (AA) versus advice to rest (AR); and immediate physiotherapy (IP) versus usual care (waiting list) physiotherapy (UCP). METHODS Twenty-six-week within-trial economic evaluation (538 participants aged ≥18 years randomized to usual care, i.e. AA (n = 178), AR (n = 182) or IP (n = 178). Regression analysis estimated differences in mean costs and Quality-Adjusted Life Years (QALYs). Incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs) and cost-effectiveness acceptability curves were generated. Primary analysis comprised the 193 patients with complete resource use (UK NHS perspective) and EQ-5D data. Sensitivity analysis investigated uncertainty. RESULTS Baseline-adjusted cost differences were £88 [95% confidence interval (CI): -14, 201) AA versus AR; -£14 (95% CI: -87, 66) IP versus UCP. Baseline-adjusted QALY differences were 0.0095 (95% CI: -0.0140, 0.0344) AA versus AR; 0.0143 (95% CI: -0.0077, 0.0354) IP versus UCP. There was a 71 and 89% probability that AA (versus AR) and IP (versus UCP) were the most cost-effective option using a threshold of £20,000 per additional QALY. The results were robust in the sensitivity analysis. CONCLUSION The difference in mean costs and mean QALYs between the competing strategies was small and not statistically significant. However, decision-makers may judge that IP was not shown to be any more effective than delayed treatment, and was no more costly than delayed physiotherapy. AA is preferable to one that encourages AR, as it is more effective and more likely to be cost-effective than AR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aileen R Neilson
- Health Economics Research Unit, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Gareth T Jones
- Musculoskeletal Research Collaboration (Epidemiology Group), University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
- Arthritis Research UK/MRC Centre for Musculoskeletal Health and Work, University of Southampton, UK
| | - Gary J Macfarlane
- Musculoskeletal Research Collaboration (Epidemiology Group), University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
- Arthritis Research UK/MRC Centre for Musculoskeletal Health and Work, University of Southampton, UK
| | - Karen Walker-Bone
- Arthritis Research UK/MRC Centre for Musculoskeletal Health and Work, University of Southampton, UK
- MRC Lifecourse Epidemiology Unit, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Kim Burton
- Centre for Applied Research in Health, University of Huddersfield, Huddersfield, UK
| | - Peter J Heine
- Warwick Clinical Trials Unit, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Candy S McCabe
- Royal United Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Bath, UK
- University of West of England, Bristol, UK
| | - Alex McConnachie
- Robertson Centre for Biostatistics, Institute of Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Keith T Palmer
- Arthritis Research UK/MRC Centre for Musculoskeletal Health and Work, University of Southampton, UK
- MRC Lifecourse Epidemiology Unit, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - David Coggon
- Arthritis Research UK/MRC Centre for Musculoskeletal Health and Work, University of Southampton, UK
- MRC Lifecourse Epidemiology Unit, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Paul McNamee
- Health Economics Research Unit, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
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12
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White A, Kawakita K. The Evidence on Acupuncture for Knee Osteoarthritis – Editorial Summary on the Implications for Health Policy. Acupunct Med 2018. [DOI: 10.1136/aim.24.suppl.71] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Decisions on whether a health service should provide a particular treatment are based on the evidence on three questions: 1) whether the treatment can work, ie it is biologically active; 2) whether the treatment is safe and effective in daily practice; and 3) whether it is economically worthwhile. Evidence presented at the Kyoto conference shows that acupuncture for osteoarthritis of the knee has a biological effect, has a large clinical effect in practice, has negligible risk, and has a cost effectiveness which is well within the usual acceptable limit. On the present evidence, acupuncture is likely to offer an alternative to treatment with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kenji Kawakita
- Department of Physiology Meiji University of Oriental Medicine Japan
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13
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Lund I, Lundeberg T. Are Minimal, Superficial Or Sham Acupuncture Procedures Acceptable as Inert Placebo Controls? Acupunct Med 2018; 24:13-5. [PMID: 16618044 DOI: 10.1136/aim.24.1.13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 204] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Most controlled trials of acupuncture have used minimal, superficial, sham, or ‘placebo’ acupuncture. It has recently been demonstrated that light touch of the skin stimulates mechanoreceptors coupled to slow conducting unmyelinated (C) afferents resulting in activity in the insular region, but not in the somatosensory cortex. Activity in these C tactile afferents has been suggested to induce a ‘limbic touch’ response resulting in emotional and hormonal reactions. It is likely that, in many acupuncture studies, control procedures that are meant to be inert are in fact activating these C tactile afferents and consequently result in the alleviation of the affective component of pain. This could explain why control interventions are equally effective as acupuncture in alleviating pain conditions that are predominantly associated with affective components such as migraine or low back pain, but not those with a more pronounced sensory component, such as osteoarthritis of the knee or lateral epicondylalgia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iréne Lund
- Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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14
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Witt CM, Brinkhaus B, Reinhold T, Willich SN. Efficacy, Effectiveness, Safety and Costs of Acupuncture for Chronic Pain – Results of a Large Research Initiative. Acupunct Med 2018. [DOI: 10.1136/aim.24.suppl.33] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Background The aim of the ‘Acupuncture Model Project of the Techniker Krankenkasse’ was to determine efficacy, effectiveness, safety and cost effectiveness of acupuncture treatment in standard medical care. Methods We evaluated a total of 304 674 patients (34.5% men, aged 53.1?13.8 and 65.5% women, aged 49.5±14.2) who were in the care of over 10 000 physicians and received on average 10?3 acupuncture treatments for chronic pain (osteoarthritis of the hip or knee, low back pain, neck pain, headache) during a period of three months. Results and conclusions Our findings demonstrate that for the diagnoses examined, acupuncture in addition to usual care was an effective and safe treatment. Whether the effects of acupuncture can be attributed primarily to specific or nonspecific mechanisms appeared to depend on the diagnosis, and should be investigated in further studies. Using acupuncture as an adjunctive treatment was more expensive than usual care alone, but was cost-effective according to internationally accepted threshold values.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia M Witt
- Institute of Social Medicine, Charité University Medical Centre, Berlin, Germany
| | - Benno Brinkhaus
- Institute of Social Medicine, Charité University Medical Centre, Berlin, Germany
| | - Thomas Reinhold
- Institute of Social Medicine, Charité University Medical Centre, Berlin, Germany
| | - Stefan N Willich
- Institute of Social Medicine, Charité University Medical Centre, Berlin, Germany
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15
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Abstract
Following evidence that acupuncture is clinically feasible and cost-effective in the treatment of headache, the UK National Institute for Health and Care Excellence recommends acupuncture as prophylactic treatment for migraine and tension headache. There has thus been expectation that other forms of headache should benefit also. Unfortunately, acupuncture has not generally been successful for cluster headache. This may be due to acupuncturists approaching the problem as one of severe migraine. In fact, cluster headache is classed as a trigeminal autonomic cephalgia. In this case report, episodic cluster headache is treated in the same way as has been shown effective for trigeminal neuralgia. Acupuncture is applied to the contralateral side at points appropriate for stimulating branches of the trigeminal nerve. Thus, ST2 is used for the infraorbital nerve, BL2 and Yuyao for the supratrochlear and supraorbital nerves, and Taiyang for the temporal branch of the zygomatic nerve.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Hayhoe
- Department of Pain Management, Colchester University Hospital, Colchester, UK
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16
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Abstract
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE Headaches present commonly in general practice, and doctors face uncertainties and pressures in dealing with them. This study identifies key characteristics of headaches investigated through head imaging, in the hope of strengthening existing guidelines. METHOD A 7-year retrospective analysis of head imaging scans ordered for investigating headaches among patients aged ≥18 in an Australian general practice setting. RESULTS A total of 109 of the 517 (21.1%) patients required head imaging, although 14 (2.7%) of these had repeat scans. Three-quarters were females, and most of the headaches were recurrent (56.9%), severe (62.4%) or had associated red flags (78.0%). Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were the only scans adopted (4:1 and 1:1 for first and repeat scans, respectively). Twelve (11.0%) scans had findings likely to explain the headaches after the initial scans, with no difference in findings between diagnoses from CTs and MRIs (P = 0.41). Repeat scans offered no additional benefits, and roughly one in three patients were referred to third-party carers (mostly neurologists). Females had more recurrent headaches (OR = 2.63; CI = 1.09-6.35; P = 0.03). Patients with psycho-morbidities were less likely to have scan findings that explained their headaches (OR = 0.22; CI = 0.06-0.88; P = 0.03), and, though not quite significant, were also more likely to undergo imaging (OR = 1.47; CI 0.96-2.27; P = 0.08). CONCLUSION Significant intracranial findings were uncommon following imaging for headaches, and MRIs offer no advantages over CTs. Repeating head scans within 5 years offers no clear benefits. Psycho-morbidities should be considered when deciding the imaging needs, given the lesser chance of findings. Larger studies will help validate these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chris O Ifediora
- School of Medicine, Griffith University, Gold Coast Campus, Southport, Australia
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17
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Birch S, Lee MS, Alraek T, Kim TH. Overview of Treatment Guidelines and Clinical Practical Guidelines That Recommend the Use of Acupuncture: A Bibliometric Analysis. J Altern Complement Med 2018; 24:752-769. [PMID: 29912569 DOI: 10.1089/acm.2018.0092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION As positive evidence emerges for the use of an intervention to treat a health problem, the intervention gradually becomes incorporated into treatment guidelines (TGs) or clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) that are related to that health problem. To assess whether this general hypothesis can apply to acupuncture, 96 health problems were identified for which positive conclusions in systematic reviews and meta-analyses regarding the effectiveness of acupuncture have been made and then searched for TGs or CPGs that have recommended the use of acupuncture. METHODS Through August 31, 2017, searches were performed in relevant medical databases and Google using "treatment guideline," "clinical practice guideline," and the names of the 96 medical conditions as search terms. A "snow-balling" search approach was adopted. All positive recommendations were added into the registry. RESULTS A total of 1311 publications were found that recommended using acupuncture published between 1991 and 2017. The number per year reached 50 in 2005 and 100 in 2009. In addition, 2189 positive recommendations were found for the use of acupuncture. Of these, 1486 were related to 107 pain indications and 703 were related to 97 nonpain indications. These recommendations were made by a wide range of groups, such as government health institutions, national guideline, and medical specialty groups. The recommendations came from around the world but were especially abundant in North America, Europe, and Australasia. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION Considerably more recommendations were found for the use of acupuncture than are known within the acupuncture or medical communities. A trend by year was also found; a rise in the number of positive statements about acupuncture was typically followed by a rise in the number of recommendations of acupuncture. Thus, the recommendations followed the emergent evidence for acupuncture. Better implementation plans need to be developed for the CPG/TG recommendations about acupuncture to be more effective/efficient.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen Birch
- 1 Department of Health Sciences, Kristiania University College , Oslo, Norway
| | - Myeong Soo Lee
- 2 Clinical Medicine Division, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine , Daejeon, Republic of South Korea
| | - Terje Alraek
- 1 Department of Health Sciences, Kristiania University College , Oslo, Norway .,3 Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, National Research Centre in Complementary and Alternative Medicine, UiT The Arctic University of Norway , Tromso, Norway
| | - Tae-Hun Kim
- 4 Korean Medicine Clinical Trial Center, Korean Medicine Hospital, Kyung Hee University , Seoul, Republic of Korea
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18
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Tick H, Nielsen A, Pelletier KR, Bonakdar R, Simmons S, Glick R, Ratner E, Lemmon RL, Wayne P, Zador V. Evidence-Based Nonpharmacologic Strategies for Comprehensive Pain Care: The Consortium Pain Task Force White Paper. Explore (NY) 2018; 14:177-211. [PMID: 29735382 DOI: 10.1016/j.explore.2018.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 191] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2018] [Accepted: 02/08/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Medical pain management is in crisis; from the pervasiveness of pain to inadequate pain treatment, from the escalation of prescription opioids to an epidemic in addiction, diversion and overdose deaths. The rising costs of pain care and managing adverse effects of that care have prompted action from state and federal agencies including the DOD, VHA, NIH, FDA and CDC. There is pressure for pain medicine to shift away from reliance on opioids, ineffective procedures and surgeries toward comprehensive pain management that includes evidence-based nonpharmacologic options. This White Paper details the historical context and magnitude of the current pain problem including individual, social and economic impacts as well as the challenges of pain management for patients and a healthcare workforce engaging prevalent strategies not entirely based in current evidence. Detailed here is the evidence-base for nonpharmacologic therapies effective in postsurgical pain with opioid sparing, acute non-surgical pain, cancer pain and chronic pain. Therapies reviewed include acupuncture therapy, massage therapy, osteopathic and chiropractic manipulation, meditative movement therapies Tai chi and yoga, mind body behavioral interventions, dietary components and self-care/self-efficacy strategies. Transforming the system of pain care to a responsive comprehensive model necessitates that options for treatment and collaborative care must be evidence-based and include effective nonpharmacologic strategies that have the advantage of reduced risks of adverse events and addiction liability. The evidence demands a call to action to increase awareness of effective nonpharmacologic treatments for pain, to train healthcare practitioners and administrators in the evidence base of effective nonpharmacologic practice, to advocate for policy initiatives that remedy system and reimbursement barriers to evidence-informed comprehensive pain care, and to promote ongoing research and dissemination of the role of effective nonpharmacologic treatments in pain, focused on the short- and long-term therapeutic and economic impact of comprehensive care practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather Tick
- Departments of Family Medicine, Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA.
| | - Arya Nielsen
- Department of Family Medicine & Community Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY.
| | - Kenneth R Pelletier
- Department of Medicine, University of California School of Medicine, San Francisco, CA
| | - Robert Bonakdar
- Department of Pain Management, Scripps Center for Integrative Medicine, La Jolla, CA
| | | | - Ronald Glick
- Departments of Psychiatry and Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Emily Ratner
- MedStar Health, Institute for Innovation, Integrative Medicine Initiatives, MedStar Montgomery Medical Center, Washington, DC
| | - Russell L Lemmon
- Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI
| | - Peter Wayne
- Osher Center for Integrative Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Veronica Zador
- Beaumont Hospital Integrative Medicine, Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine, Rochester, MI
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19
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Michelfelder AJ. Acupuncture for Headache. Integr Med (Encinitas) 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-323-35868-2.00110-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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20
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Pokladnikova J, Maresova P, Dolejs J, Park AL, Wang B, Guan X, Musil F. Economic analysis of acupuncture for migraine prophylaxis. Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat 2018; 14:3053-3061. [PMID: 30519026 PMCID: PMC6237248 DOI: 10.2147/ndt.s174870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Acupuncture has become a viable option for migraine prophylaxis in Europe; however, despite its wide use, more data on the short- and long-term cost-effectiveness are needed when considering the perspectives of a paying third-party, the patient, and of society in general. The aim was to evaluate the cost and effectiveness of adjuvant acupuncture to pharmacologic treatment vs pharmacologic treatment alone in migraine patients after a 3-month acupuncture course and a 6-month follow-up from all perspectives. METHODS The study involved an open-label randomized clinical trial of patients receiving acupuncture (n=42), and a waiting list control group (n=44). The number of migraine days during the last 28 days, as well as direct and indirect costs were considered. The trial was registered under DRKS00009803. RESULTS The total cost per patient reached €696 vs €285 after 3 months of acupuncture and €66 vs €132 in the acupuncture and control groups after a 6-month follow-up, respectively (P=0.071). The trends observed in effectiveness and costs from all perspectives are discussed. CONCLUSION The inclusion of acupuncture in health care results beneficial mainly for its observed trend in reduced losses of productivity and income, with the latter often exceeding the costs of acupuncture treatment. As such, acupuncture may be recommended as an adjuvant treatment in migraine prophylaxis to standard pharmacotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jitka Pokladnikova
- Czech-Chinese Centre for Traditional Chinese Medicine, University Hospital in Hradec Kralove, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic, .,Faculty of Pharmacy in Hradec Kralove, Charles University, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic,
| | - Petra Maresova
- Faculty of Informatics and Management, University of Hradec Kralove, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Josef Dolejs
- Faculty of Informatics and Management, University of Hradec Kralove, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - A-La Park
- Personal Social Services Research Unit, Department of Health Policy, London School of Economics and Political Science, London, UK
| | - Bo Wang
- Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xin Guan
- Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Frantisek Musil
- Czech-Chinese Centre for Traditional Chinese Medicine, University Hospital in Hradec Kralove, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic,
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21
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Fontaine C, Daurès JP, Landais P. On the censored cost-effectiveness analysis using copula information. BMC Med Res Methodol 2017; 17:27. [PMID: 28202010 PMCID: PMC5312518 DOI: 10.1186/s12874-017-0305-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2016] [Accepted: 02/02/2017] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Information and theory beyond copula concepts are essential to understand the dependence relationship between several marginal covariates distributions. In a therapeutic trial data scheme, most of the time, censoring occurs. That could lead to a biased interpretation of the dependence relationship between marginal distributions. Furthermore, it could result in a biased inference of the joint probability distribution function. A particular case is the cost-effectiveness analysis (CEA), which has shown its utility in many medico-economic studies and where censoring often occurs. Methods This paper discusses a copula-based modeling of the joint density and an estimation method of the costs, and quality adjusted life years (QALY) in a cost-effectiveness analysis in case of censoring. This method is not based on any linearity assumption on the inferred variables, but on a punctual estimation obtained from the marginal distributions together with their dependence link. Results Our results show that the proposed methodology keeps only the bias resulting statistical inference and don’t have anymore a bias based on a unverified linearity assumption. An acupuncture study for chronic headache in primary care was used to show the applicability of the method and the obtained ICER keeps in the confidence interval of the standard regression methodology. Conclusion For the cost-effectiveness literature, such a technique without any linearity assumption is a progress since it does not need the specification of a global linear regression model. Hence, the estimation of the a marginal distributions for each therapeutic arm, the concordance measures between these populations and the right copulas families is now sufficient to process to the whole CEA.
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22
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Asadpour R, Kessel KA, Bruckner T, Sertel S, Combs SE. Randomized study exploring the combination of radiotherapy with two types of acupuncture treatment (ROSETTA): study protocol for a randomized controlled trial. Trials 2017; 18:398. [PMID: 28851420 PMCID: PMC5575840 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-017-2139-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2016] [Accepted: 08/03/2017] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Adverse effects such as fatigue, pain, erythema, nausea and vomiting are commonly known in patients undergoing irradiation (RT) alone or in combination with chemotherapy (RCHT). Patients suffering from these symptoms are limited in their daily life and their quality of life (QOL) is often reduced. As addressed in several trials, acupuncture can cause amelioration of these specific disorders. Especially for pain symptoms, several groups have shown efficacy of acupuncture. To what extent the difference between traditional acupuncture (verum acupuncture) and false acupuncture (sham acupuncture) is in reducing side effects and improvement of QOL is not clear. Methods/design ROSETTA is a prospective randomized phase II trial (version 1.0) to examine the efficacy of traditional acupuncture in patients with RT-related side effects. In the experimental (verum) arm (n = 37) an experienced acupuncture-trained person will treat dedicated acupuncture points. In the control (sham) arm (n = 37) sham acupuncture will be performed to provide a blinded comparison of results. Discussion This is the first randomized prospective trial to evaluate the effect of traditional acupuncture on RT-related side effects such as fatigue and QOL. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02674646. Registered on 8 December 2015. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13063-017-2139-5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Asadpour
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Technische Universität München (TUM), Klinikum rechts der Isar, Ismaninger Straße 22, 81675, Munich, Germany
| | - Kerstin A Kessel
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Technische Universität München (TUM), Klinikum rechts der Isar, Ismaninger Straße 22, 81675, Munich, Germany.,Department of Radiation Sciences (DRS), Institute of Innovative Radiotherapy (iRT), Helmholtz Zentrum München, Ingolstädter Landstraße 1, 85764, Oberschleißheim, Germany
| | - Tom Bruckner
- Department of Medical Biometry, Institute of Medical Biometry and Informatics (IMBI), Universität Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 305, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Serkan Sertel
- Praxisgemeinschaft Prof. Sertel & Dr. Passerino , Rottstrasse 39, 67061, Ludwigshafen am Rhein, Germany.,Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery, University of Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 400, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany.,Department of 325 Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital CHUV, 326 Bâtiment hospitalier, Rue du Bugnon 46, 1011, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Stephanie E Combs
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Technische Universität München (TUM), Klinikum rechts der Isar, Ismaninger Straße 22, 81675, Munich, Germany. .,Department of Radiation Sciences (DRS), Institute of Innovative Radiotherapy (iRT), Helmholtz Zentrum München, Ingolstädter Landstraße 1, 85764, Oberschleißheim, Germany. .,Deutsches Konsortium für Translationale Krebsforschung (DKTK), Partner Site Munich, Munich, Germany.
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MacPherson H, Vickers A, Bland M, Torgerson D, Corbett M, Spackman E, Saramago P, Woods B, Weatherly H, Sculpher M, Manca A, Richmond S, Hopton A, Eldred J, Watt I. Acupuncture for chronic pain and depression in primary care: a programme of research. PROGRAMME GRANTS FOR APPLIED RESEARCH 2017. [DOI: 10.3310/pgfar05030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
BackgroundThere has been an increase in the utilisation of acupuncture in recent years, yet the evidence base is insufficiently well established to be certain about its clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness. Addressing the questions related to the evidence base will reduce uncertainty and help policy- and decision-makers with regard to whether or not wider access is appropriate and provides value for money.AimOur aim was to establish the most reliable evidence on the clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of acupuncture for chronic pain by drawing on relevant evidence, including recent high-quality trials, and to develop fresh evidence on acupuncture for depression. To extend the evidence base we synthesised the results of published trials using robust systematic review methodology and conducted a randomised controlled trial (RCT) of acupuncture for depression.Methods and resultsWe synthesised the evidence from high-quality trials of acupuncture for chronic pain, consisting of musculoskeletal pain related to the neck and low back, osteoarthritis of the knee, and headache and migraine, involving nearly 18,000 patients. In an individual patient data (IPD) pairwise meta-analysis, acupuncture was significantly better than both sham acupuncture (p < 0.001) and usual care (p < 0.001) for all conditions. Using network meta-analyses, we compared acupuncture with other physical therapies for osteoarthritis of the knee. In both an analysis of all available evidence and an analysis of a subset of better-quality trials, using aggregate-level data, we found acupuncture to be one of the more effective therapies. We developed new Bayesian methods for analysing multiple individual patient-level data sets to evaluate heterogeneous continuous outcomes. An accompanying cost-effectiveness analysis found transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) to be cost-effective for osteoarthritis at a threshold of £20,000 per quality-adjusted life-year when all trials were synthesised. When the analysis was restricted to trials of higher quality with adequate allocation concealment, acupuncture was cost-effective. In a RCT of acupuncture or counselling compared with usual care for depression, in which half the patients were also experiencing comorbid pain, we found acupuncture and counselling to be clinically effective and acupuncture to be cost-effective. For patients in whom acupuncture is inappropriate or unavailable, counselling is cost-effective.ConclusionWe have provided the most robust evidence from high-quality trials on acupuncture for chronic pain. The synthesis of high-quality IPD found that acupuncture was more effective than both usual care and sham acupuncture. Acupuncture is one of the more clinically effective physical therapies for osteoarthritis and is also cost-effective if only high-quality trials are analysed. When all trials are analysed, TENS is cost-effective. Promising clinical and economic evidence on acupuncture for depression needs to be extended to other contexts and settings. For the conditions we have investigated, the drawing together of evidence on acupuncture from this programme of research has substantially reduced levels of uncertainty. We have identified directions for further research. Our research also provides a valuable basis for considering the potential role of acupuncture as a referral option in health care and enabling providers and policy-makers to make decisions based on robust sources of evidence.Trial registrationCurrent Controlled Trials ISRCTN63787732.FundingThe National Institute for Health Research Programme Grants for Applied Research programme.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Andrew Vickers
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Martin Bland
- Department of Health Sciences, University of York, York, UK
| | | | - Mark Corbett
- Centre for Reviews and Dissemination, University of York, York, UK
| | - Eldon Spackman
- Centre for Health Economics, University of York, York, UK
| | - Pedro Saramago
- Centre for Health Economics, University of York, York, UK
| | - Beth Woods
- Centre for Health Economics, University of York, York, UK
| | | | - Mark Sculpher
- Centre for Health Economics, University of York, York, UK
| | - Andrea Manca
- Centre for Health Economics, University of York, York, UK
| | | | - Ann Hopton
- Department of Health Sciences, University of York, York, UK
| | - Janet Eldred
- Department of Health Sciences, University of York, York, UK
| | - Ian Watt
- Department of Health Sciences/Hull York Medical School, University of York, York, UK
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Coeytaux RR, Befus D. Role of Acupuncture in the Treatment or Prevention of Migraine, Tension-Type Headache, or Chronic Headache Disorders. Headache 2016; 56:1238-40. [PMID: 27411557 DOI: 10.1111/head.12857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2016] [Accepted: 04/29/2016] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To summarize the current evidence that evaluates the effectiveness of acupuncture for the treatment or prevention of migraine, tension-type headache, and chronic headache disorders. METHODS Findings from selected systematic reviews and meta-analyses are summarized. RESULTS Recently published systematic reviews and meta-analyses demonstrate that acupuncture is associated with improved clinical outcomes compared to routine care only, medical management, and sham acupuncture 2 months after randomization. The evidence in support of acupuncture's comparative effectiveness at longer follow-up periods is mixed. Cost effectiveness analyses conducted in the United Kingdom and Germany suggest that acupuncture is a cost-effective treatment option in those countries. There are few or no cost-effectiveness studies of acupuncture in the United States. DISCUSSION This brief review of the current, published evidence does not include a discussion of potential risks or adverse events associated with acupuncture. There is also the question of the extent to which placebo effects might contribute to acupuncture's clinical effectiveness. From a purely comparative effectiveness perspective, however, the evidence from clinical trials and meta-analyses makes a compelling case in support of a potentially important role for acupuncture as part of a treatment plan for patients with migraine, tension-type headache, and several different types of chronic headache disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Remy R Coeytaux
- Duke Clinical Research Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA.,Department of Community and Family Medicine, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Deanna Befus
- Duke University School of Nursing, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
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Linde K, Allais G, Brinkhaus B, Fei Y, Mehring M, Shin B, Vickers A, White AR. Acupuncture for the prevention of tension-type headache. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2016; 4:CD007587. [PMID: 27092807 PMCID: PMC4955729 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd007587.pub2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Acupuncture is often used for prevention of tension-type headache but its effectiveness is still controversial. This is an update of our Cochrane review originally published in Issue 1, 2009 of The Cochrane Library. OBJECTIVES To investigate whether acupuncture is a) more effective than no prophylactic treatment/routine care only; b) more effective than 'sham' (placebo) acupuncture; and c) as effective as other interventions in reducing headache frequency in adults with episodic or chronic tension-type headache. SEARCH METHODS We searched CENTRAL, MEDLINE, EMBASE and AMED to 19 January 2016. We searched the World Health Organization (WHO) International Clinical Trials Registry Platform to 10 February 2016 for ongoing and unpublished trials. SELECTION CRITERIA We included randomised trials with a post-randomisation observation period of at least eight weeks, which compared the clinical effects of an acupuncture intervention with a control (treatment of acute headaches only or routine care), a sham acupuncture intervention or another prophylactic intervention in adults with episodic or chronic tension-type headache. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Two review authors checked eligibility; extracted information on participants, interventions, methods and results; and assessed study risk of bias and the quality of the acupuncture intervention. The main efficacy outcome measure was response (at least 50% reduction of headache frequency) after completion of treatment (three to four months after randomisation). To assess safety/acceptability we extracted the number of participants dropping out due to adverse effects and the number of participants reporting adverse effects. We assessed the quality of the evidence using GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation). MAIN RESULTS Twelve trials (11 included in the previous version and one newly identified) with 2349 participants (median 56, range 10 to 1265) met the inclusion criteria.Acupuncture was compared with routine care or treatment of acute headaches only in two large trials (1265 and 207 participants), but they had quite different baseline headache frequency and management in the control groups. Neither trial was blinded but trial quality was otherwise high (low risk of bias). While effect size estimates of the two trials differed considerably, the proportion of participants experiencing at least 50% reduction of headache frequency was much higher in groups receiving acupuncture than in control groups (moderate quality evidence; trial 1: 302/629 (48%) versus 121/636 (19%); risk ratio (RR) 2.5; 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.1 to 3.0; trial 2: 60/132 (45%) versus 3/75 (4%); RR 11; 95% CI 3.7 to 35). Long-term effects (beyond four months) were not investigated.Acupuncture was compared with sham acupuncture in seven trials of moderate to high quality (low risk of bias); five large studies provided data for one or more meta-analyses. Among participants receiving acupuncture, 205 of 391 (51%) had at least 50% reduction of headache frequency compared to 133 of 312 (43%) in the sham group after treatment (RR 1.3; 95% CI 1.09 to 1.5; four trials; moderate quality evidence). Results six months after randomisation were similar. Withdrawals were low: 1 of 420 participants receiving acupuncture dropped out due to adverse effects and 0 of 343 receiving sham (six trials; low quality evidence). Three trials reported the number of participants reporting adverse effects: 29 of 174 (17%) with acupuncture versus 12 of 103 with sham (12%; odds ratio (OR) 1.3; 95% CI 0.60 to 2.7; low quality evidence).Acupuncture was compared with physiotherapy, massage or exercise in four trials of low to moderate quality (high risk of bias); study findings were inadequately reported. No trial found a significant superiority of acupuncture and for some outcomes the results slightly favoured the comparison therapy. None of these trials reported the number of participants dropping out due to adverse effects or the number of participants reporting adverse effects.Overall, the quality of the evidence assessed using GRADE was moderate or low, downgraded mainly due to a lack of blinding and variable effect sizes. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS The available results suggest that acupuncture is effective for treating frequent episodic or chronic tension-type headaches, but further trials - particularly comparing acupuncture with other treatment options - are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Klaus Linde
- Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University MunichInstitute of General PracticeOrleansstrasse 47MünchenGermany81667
| | - Gianni Allais
- University of TorinoWomen's Headache Center and Service for Acupuncture in Gynecology and Obstetrics, Department of Surgical SciencesVia Ventimiglia 3TorinoItaly10126
| | - Benno Brinkhaus
- Charité ‐ Universitätsmedizin BerlinInstitute for Social Medicine, Epidemiology and Health EconomicsLuisenstrasse 57BerlinGermany10117
| | - Yutong Fei
- Beijing University of Chinese MedicineCentre for Evidence‐Based Chinese Medicine11 Bei San Huan Dong Lu, Chaoyang DistrictBeijingChina100029
| | - Michael Mehring
- Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University MunichInstitute of General PracticeOrleansstrasse 47MünchenGermany81667
| | - Byung‐Cheul Shin
- School of Korean Medicine, Pusan National UniversityRehabilitation MedicineBeom‐eu, MeulgeumYangsanKyungnamKorea, South626‐870
| | - Andrew Vickers
- Memorial Sloan‐Kettering Cancer CenterDepartment of Epidemiology and Biostatistics1275 York AvenueNew YorkUSA10021
| | - Adrian R White
- Plymouth University Peninsula Schools of Medicine and DentistryPrimary Care25 Room N32, ITTC BuildingTamar Science ParkPlymouthUKPL6 8BX
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MacPherson H, Hammerschlag R, Coeytaux RR, Davis RT, Harris RE, Kong JT, Langevin HM, Lao L, Milley RJ, Napadow V, Schnyer RN, Stener-Victorin E, Witt CM, Wayne PM. Unanticipated Insights into Biomedicine from the Study of Acupuncture. J Altern Complement Med 2016; 22:101-7. [PMID: 26745452 PMCID: PMC4761810 DOI: 10.1089/acm.2015.0184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Research into acupuncture has had ripple effects beyond the field of acupuncture. This paper identifies five exemplars to illustrate that there is tangible evidence of the way insights gleaned from acupuncture research have informed biomedical research, practice, or policy. The first exemplar documents how early research into acupuncture analgesia has expanded into neuroimaging research, broadening physiologic understanding and treatment of chronic pain. The second describes how the acupuncture needle has become a tool to enhance biomedical knowledge of connective tissue. The third exemplar, which illustrates use of a modified acupuncture needle as a sham device, focuses on emergent understanding of placebo effects and, in turn, on insights into therapeutic encounters in treatments unrelated to acupuncture. The fourth exemplar documents that two medical devices now in widespread use were inspired by acupuncture: transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulators for pain control and antinausea wrist bands. The final exemplar describes how pragmatic clinical trial designs applied in acupuncture research have informed current general interest in comparative effectiveness research. In conclusion, these exemplars of unanticipated outcomes of acupuncture research comprise an additional rationale for continued support of basic and clinical research evaluating acupuncture and other under-researched therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hugh MacPherson
- 1 Department of Health Sciences, University of York , York, United Kingdom
| | - Richard Hammerschlag
- 2 Research Department, Oregon College of Oriental Medicine , Portland, OR.,3 The Institute for Integrative Health , Baltimore, MD
| | - Remy R Coeytaux
- 4 Duke Clinical Research Institute , Durham, NC.,5 Department of Community and Family Medicine, Duke University , Durham, NC
| | | | - Richard E Harris
- 7 Department of Anesthesiology, University of Michigan , Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Jiang-Ti Kong
- 8 Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine , Stanford, CA
| | - Helene M Langevin
- 9 Osher Center for Integrative Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School , Boston, MA
| | - Lixing Lao
- 10 School of Chinese Medicine, The University of Hong Kong , Hong Kong .,11 Center for Integrative Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Maryland , Baltimore, MD
| | - Ryan J Milley
- 2 Research Department, Oregon College of Oriental Medicine , Portland, OR
| | - Vitaly Napadow
- 12 Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital , Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA.,13 Department of Radiology, Logan University , Chesterfield, MO.,14 Department of Biomedical Engineering, Kyunghee University , Yongin, Korea
| | | | - Elisabet Stener-Victorin
- 16 Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Department of Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg , Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Claudia M Witt
- 17 Institute for Complementary and Integrative Medicine, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich , Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Peter M Wayne
- 9 Osher Center for Integrative Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School , Boston, MA
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Sayampanathan AA, Koh THB, Kong KH, Low YP. Factors affecting decision-making of patients choosing acupuncture in a public hospital. ANNALS OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE 2015; 3:283. [PMID: 26697443 DOI: 10.3978/j.issn.2305-5839.2015.11.10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND With increasing evidence to support its practice, acupuncture has been integrated within many hospitals around the world. The purpose of this study is to understand the factors affecting decision making of patients as they select acupuncture treatment for their medical conditions and symptoms within a public hospital. METHODS A qualitative study consisting of in depth interviews with 14 patients was conducted. All patients attended an acupuncture clinic within a public hospital. Data collected was analysed via thematic analysis. RESULTS Four main factor groups affecting decision making of patients were identified- factors affecting the level and value of patient-centric care, the confidence and trust patients place within the acupuncture service, the presence of collaborative efforts between acupuncturists and Western medicine practitioners, and the knowledge, culture and belief society has regarding the role of acupuncture and Western medicine. All participants interviewed had more than one factor group present as enablers toward their eventual selection of acupuncture for ailment management. It was also noted that although the majority of participants had sufficient knowledge regarding acupuncture, there were a select few who had misperceptions or no knowledge regarding certain aspects of acupuncture. CONCLUSIONS There may be certain patterns in the way patients choose to utilise acupuncture services in public hospitals. Further studies should also be carried out in other public hospitals to analyse the factor groups identified further.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Arjun Sayampanathan
- 1 Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 1E Kent Ridge Road, NUHS Tower Block, Level 11, Singapore 119228, Republic of Singapore ; 2 Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, 3 Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, 11 Jalan Tan Tock Seng, Singapore 308433, Republic of Singapore
| | - Thean Howe Bryan Koh
- 1 Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 1E Kent Ridge Road, NUHS Tower Block, Level 11, Singapore 119228, Republic of Singapore ; 2 Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, 3 Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, 11 Jalan Tan Tock Seng, Singapore 308433, Republic of Singapore
| | - Keng He Kong
- 1 Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 1E Kent Ridge Road, NUHS Tower Block, Level 11, Singapore 119228, Republic of Singapore ; 2 Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, 3 Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, 11 Jalan Tan Tock Seng, Singapore 308433, Republic of Singapore
| | - Yin Peng Low
- 1 Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 1E Kent Ridge Road, NUHS Tower Block, Level 11, Singapore 119228, Republic of Singapore ; 2 Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, 3 Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, 11 Jalan Tan Tock Seng, Singapore 308433, Republic of Singapore
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Hayhoe S. Acupuncture for episodic cluster headache: a trigeminal approach. BMJ Case Rep 2015; 2015:bcr-2015-211984. [PMID: 26359462 DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2015-211984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Following evidence that acupuncture is clinically feasible and cost-effective in the treatment of headache, the UK National Institute for Health and Care Excellence recommends acupuncture as prophylactic treatment for migraine and tension headache. There has thus been expectation that other forms of headache should benefit also. Unfortunately, acupuncture has not generally been successful for cluster headache. This may be due to acupuncturists approaching the problem as one of severe migraine. In fact, cluster headache is classed as a trigeminal autonomic cephalgia. In this case report, episodic cluster headache is treated in the same way as has been shown effective for trigeminal neuralgia. Acupuncture is applied to the contralateral side at points appropriate for stimulating branches of the trigeminal nerve. Thus, ST2 is used for the infraorbital nerve, BL2 and Yuyao for the supratrochlear and supraorbital nerves, and Taiyang for the temporal branch of the zygomatic nerve.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Hayhoe
- Department of Pain Management, Colchester University Hospital, Colchester, UK
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29
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Giovanardi CM, Fauci AJ, Mazzanti U, Roberti di Sarsina P, Tassinari M, Lilli A, Barbanera ML, Devecchi M, Farella GMG, Poini A. Toward a definition of the standards for research in acupuncture: The Bologna International Symposium. Eur J Integr Med 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.eujim.2015.07.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Sinclair AJ, Sturrock A, Davies B, Matharu M. Headache management: pharmacological approaches. Pract Neurol 2015; 15:411-23. [PMID: 26141299 PMCID: PMC4680181 DOI: 10.1136/practneurol-2015-001167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2015] [Accepted: 06/06/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Headache is one of the most common conditions presenting to the neurology clinic, yet a significant proportion of these patients are unsatisfied by their clinic experience. Headache can be extremely disabling; effective treatment is not only essential for patients but is rewarding for the physician. In this first of two parts review of headache, we provide an overview of headache management, emerging therapeutic strategies and an accessible interpretation of clinical guidelines to assist the busy neurologist.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex J Sinclair
- Department of Neurobiology, School of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, The University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK Neurology Department, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Trust, Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Aaron Sturrock
- Neurology Department, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Trust, Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Brendan Davies
- Department of Neurology, Royal Stoke University Hospital, Stoke-on-Trent, UK
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Sadeghi R, Heidarnia MA, Zagheri Tafreshi M, Rassouli M, Soori H. The reasons for using acupuncture for pain relief. IRANIAN RED CRESCENT MEDICAL JOURNAL 2014; 16:e15435. [PMID: 25593727 PMCID: PMC4270647 DOI: 10.5812/ircmj.15435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2013] [Revised: 11/27/2013] [Accepted: 01/22/2014] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Background: Acupuncture has recently received considerable attention around the world due to its cost-effectiveness, few side effects, and well-established analgesic properties. Objectives: The present study aimed to identify the factors that might lead to using acupuncture for pain relief. Patients and Methods: This qualitative study was conducted using conventional content analysis method. The study population included eight patients and six highly experienced acupuncturists, who were able to express their opinion and were willing to take part in the study. The inclusion criteria for patients were being under treatment with acupuncture for pain relief or a history of treatment during the last year and age > 18 years. All highly trained acupuncturists with minimum of one-year active experience were included. The data were collected via semi-structured in-depth interviews. Categories were extracted through inductive analysis and codes and eventually, themes emerged. Data rigor was assured by data collection triangulation, participants’ variety, and external and members’ check. Results: Initially, 1311 primary codes were extracted, then the related codes were divided into 127 subcategories according to their similarities, and after reduction and integration process, 16 categories were developed from subcategories and eventually five themes were determined, including conventional medicine limitation, efficacy of acupuncture, external promoters, internal promoters, and acupuncture inhibitors. Conclusions: The important factors that affect choosing acupuncture for pain relief included conventional medicine limitations, external promoters, internal promoters, acupuncture efficacy, and acupuncture inhibitors. More interest can be drawn to this technique by basic planning to enhance some of the underlying factors and eliminate obstacles to its further applicability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roghyeh Sadeghi
- International Branch, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IR Iran
| | - Mohamad Ali Heidarnia
- Department of Community Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IR Iran
- Corresponding Author: Mohamad Ali Heidarnia, Department of Community Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IR Iran. Tel: +98-9111522291, Fax: +98-2123872567, E-mail:
| | - Mansoure Zagheri Tafreshi
- Department of Management, Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IR Iran
| | - Maryam Rassouli
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IR Iran
| | - Hamid Soori
- Safety Promotion and Injury Prevention Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IR Iran
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Dunning J, Butts R, Mourad F, Young I, Flannagan S, Perreault T. Dry needling: a literature review with implications for clinical practice guidelines. PHYSICAL THERAPY REVIEWS 2014; 19:252-265. [PMID: 25143704 PMCID: PMC4117383 DOI: 10.1179/108331913x13844245102034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 168] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Wet needling uses hollow-bore needles to deliver corticosteroids, anesthetics, sclerosants, botulinum toxins, or other agents. In contrast, dry needling requires the insertion of thin monofilament needles, as used in the practice of acupuncture, without the use of injectate into muscles, ligaments, tendons, subcutaneous fascia, and scar tissue. Dry needles may also be inserted in the vicinity of peripheral nerves and/or neurovascular bundles in order to manage a variety of neuromusculoskeletal pain syndromes. Nevertheless, some position statements by several US State Boards of Physical Therapy have narrowly defined dry needling as an 'intramuscular' procedure involving the isolated treatment of 'myofascial trigger points' (MTrPs). OBJECTIVES To operationalize an appropriate definition for dry needling based on the existing literature and to further investigate the optimal frequency, duration, and intensity of dry needling for both spinal and extremity neuromusculoskeletal conditions. MAJOR FINDINGS According to recent findings in the literature, the needle tip touches, taps, or pricks tiny nerve endings or neural tissue (i.e. 'sensitive loci' or 'nociceptors') when it is inserted into a MTrP. To date, there is a paucity of high-quality evidence to underpin the use of direct dry needling into MTrPs for the purpose of short and long-term pain and disability reduction in patients with musculoskeletal pain syndromes. Furthermore, there is a lack of robust evidence validating the clinical diagnostic criteria for trigger point identification or diagnosis. High-quality studies have also demonstrated that manual examination for the identification and localization of a trigger point is neither valid nor reliable between-examiners. CONCLUSIONS Several studies have demonstrated immediate or short-term improvements in pain and/or disability by targeting trigger points (TrPs) using in-and-out techniques such as 'pistoning' or 'sparrow pecking'; however, to date, no high-quality, long-term trials supporting in-and-out needling techniques at exclusively muscular TrPs exist, and the practice should therefore be questioned. The insertion of dry needles into asymptomatic body areas proximal and/or distal to the primary source of pain is supported by the myofascial pain syndrome literature. Physical therapists should not ignore the findings of the Western or biomedical 'acupuncture' literature that have used the very same 'dry needles' to treat patients with a variety of neuromusculoskeletal conditions in numerous, large scale randomized controlled trials. Although the optimal frequency, duration, and intensity of dry needling has yet to be determined for many neuromusculoskeletal conditions, the vast majority of dry needling randomized controlled trials have manually stimulated the needles and left them in situ for between 10 and 30 minute durations. Position statements and clinical practice guidelines for dry needling should be based on the best available literature, not a single paradigm or school of thought; therefore, physical therapy associations and state boards of physical therapy should consider broadening the definition of dry needling to encompass the stimulation of neural, muscular, and connective tissues, not just 'TrPs'.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Dunning
- Alabama Physical Therapy & Acupuncture, Montgomery, AL, USA
- American Academy of Manipulative Therapy, Montgomery, AL, USA
| | - Raymond Butts
- University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA
- Palmetto Health Research Physical Therapy Specialists, Columbia, SC, USA
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Abstract
Healthcare in the United States is expensive and becoming more so every year. Policy and decision makers increasingly need information on costs, as well as effectiveness and safety, in order to formulate health-care strategies that are both clinically effective and financially responsible. Many people believe the benefits of complementary and integrative medicine (CIM) exceed its costs. Surveys have shown that a substantial portion of the US population uses CIM and pays directly for that use.1–4 The most recent estimates show that total US out-of-pocket expenditures for CIM were $34 billion—11% of all US out-of-pocket healthcare expenditures.1 However, if CIM is to be considered in broader healthcare strategies, its economic impact must be determined. Theoretically, CIM seems a good candidate for cost-effectiveness, and even cost savings, because it avoids high technology, offers inexpensive and noninvasive remedies, encourages healthy lifestyle change, and focuses on the whole person, all of which may improve health beyond the targeted disease or condition. However, to many in the conventional health-care system, CIM is seen only as an “add on” expense. What must be demonstrated via economic evaluation are the healthcare costs that can be avoided through the use of CIM. CIM offers the potential for several avenues of cost reduction. The first is as a direct replacement for the usual conventional therapy for a condition. The second is in terms of lower future healthcare utilization both in general (through treating the whole person) and for the targeted disease or condition. A third avenue to cost reduction is through reducing productivity loss for employers. A reduction in costs to employers does not directly reduce healthcare costs (unless the employer is itself a health-care facility); however, both are costs to society. Productivity losses can be reduced through improved employee health, and potentially through the improved employee well-being and empowerment offered by CIM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia M Herman
- RAND Corporation, Santa Monica, California; Samueli Institute, Alexandria, Virginia
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Wang SM, Harris RE, Lin YC, Gan TJ. Acupuncture in 21st century anesthesia: is there a needle in the haystack? Anesth Analg 2013; 116:1356-9. [PMID: 23709075 DOI: 10.1213/ane.0b013e31828f5efa] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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MacPherson H, Tilbrook HE, Richmond SJ, Atkin K, Ballard K, Bland M, Eldred J, Essex HN, Hopton A, Lansdown H, Muhammad U, Parrott S, Torgerson D, Wenham A, Woodman J, Watt I. Alexander Technique Lessons, Acupuncture Sessions or usual care for patients with chronic neck pain (ATLAS): study protocol for a randomised controlled trial. Trials 2013; 14:209. [PMID: 23841901 PMCID: PMC3720220 DOI: 10.1186/1745-6215-14-209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2013] [Accepted: 06/25/2013] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic neck pain is a common condition in the adult population. More research is needed to evaluate interventions aiming to facilitate beneficial long-term change. We propose to evaluate the effect of Alexander Technique lessons and acupuncture in a rigorously conducted pragmatic trial with an embedded qualitative study. METHODS/DESIGN We will recruit 500 patients who have been diagnosed with neck pain in primary care, who have continued to experience neck pain for at least three months with 28% minimum cut-off score on the Northwick Park Neck Pain Questionnaire (NPQ). We will exclude patients with serious underlying pathology, prior cervical spine surgery, history of psychosis, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, osteoporosis, haemophilia, cancer, HIV or hepatitis, or with alcohol or drug dependency currently or in the last 12 months, or actively pursuing compensation or with pending litigation.The York Trials Unit will randomly allocate participants using a secure computer-based system. We will use block randomisation with allocation to each intervention arm being unambiguously concealed from anyone who might subvert the randomisation process.Participants will be randomised in equal proportions to Alexander Technique lessons, acupuncture or usual care alone. Twenty 30-minute Alexander Technique lessons will be provided by teachers registered with the Society of Teachers of the Alexander Technique and twelve 50-minute sessions of acupuncture will be provided by acupuncturists registered with the British Acupuncture Council. All participants will continue to receive usual GP care.The primary outcome will be the NPQ at 12 months, with the secondary time point at 6 months, and an area-under-curve analysis will include 3, 6 and 12 month time-points. Adverse events will be documented. Potential intervention effect modifiers and mediators to be explored include: self-efficacy, stress management, and the incorporation of practitioner advice about self-care and lifestyle. Qualitative material will be used to address issues of safety, acceptability and factors that impact on longer term outcomes. DISCUSSION This study will provide robust evidence on whether there are significant clinical benefits to patients, economic benefits demonstrating value for money, and sufficient levels of acceptability and safety. TRIAL REGISTRATION Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN15186354.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hugh MacPherson
- Department of Health Sciences, University of York, York, UK.
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Veroff DR, Ochoa-Arvelo T, Venator B. A randomized study of telephonic care support in populations at risk for musculoskeletal preference-sensitive surgeries. BMC Med Inform Decis Mak 2013; 13:21. [PMID: 23391126 PMCID: PMC3575312 DOI: 10.1186/1472-6947-13-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2012] [Accepted: 01/25/2013] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The rate of elective surgeries varies dramatically by geography in the United States. For many of these surgeries, there is not clear evidence of their relative merits over alternate treatment choices and there are significant tradeoffs in short- and long-term risks and benefits of selecting one treatment option over another. Conditions and symptoms for which there is this lack of a single clear evidence-based treatment choice present great opportunities for patient and provider collaboration on decision making; back pain and joint osteoarthritis are two such ailments. A number of decision aids are in active use to encourage this shared decision-making process. Decision aids have been assessed in formal studies that demonstrate increases in patient knowledge, increases in patient-provider engagement, and reduction in surgery rates. These studies have not widely demonstrated the added benefit of health coaching in support of shared decision making nor have they commonly provided strong evidence of cost reductions. In order to add to this evidence base, we undertook a comparative study testing the relative impact on health utilization and costs of active outreach through interactive voice response technology to encourage health coaching in support of shared decision making in comparison to mailed outreach or no outreach. This study focused on individuals with back pain or joint pain. METHODS We conducted four waves of stratified randomized comparisons for individuals with risk for back, hip, or knee surgery who did not have claims-based evidence of one or more of five chronic conditions and were eligible for population care management services within three large regional health plans in the United States. An interactive voice response (IVR) form of outreach that included the capability for individuals to directly connect with health coaches telephonically, known as AutoDialog(®), was compared to a control (mailed outreach or natural levels of inbound calling depending on the study wave). In total, the study include 24,167 adults with commercial and Medicare Advantage private coverage at three health plans and at risk for lumbar back surgery, hip repair/replacement, or knee repair/replacement. RESULTS Interactive voice response outreach led to 10.7 (P-value < .0001) times as many inbound calls within 30 days as the control. Over 180 days, the IVR group ("intervention") had 67 percent (P-value < .0001) more health coach communications and agreed to be sent 3.2 (P-value < .0001) time as many DVD- and/or booklet-based decision aids. Targeted surgeries were reduced by 6.7 percent (P-value = .6039). Overall costs were lower by 4.9 percent (P-value = .055). Costs that were not related to maternity, cancer, trauma and substance abuse ("actionable costs") were reduced by 6.5 percent (P-value = .0286). CONCLUSIONS IVR with a transfer-to-health coach-option significantly increased levels of health coaching compared to mailed or no outreach and lead to significantly reduced actionable medical costs. Providing high levels of health coaching to individuals with these types of risks appears to have produced important levels of actionable medical cost reductions. We believe this impact resulted from more informed and engaged health care decision making.
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Hollingworth W, McKell-Redwood D, Hampson L, Metcalfe C. Cost–utility analysis conducted alongside randomized controlled trials: Are economic end points considered in sample size calculations and does it matter? Clin Trials 2012; 10:43-53. [DOI: 10.1177/1740774512465358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Background Many randomized controlled trials (RCTs) collect cost-effectiveness data. Without appropriate sample size calculations, patient recruitment may cease before the cost-effectiveness of the intervention can be established or continue after the cost-effectiveness of the intervention is established beyond doubt. Purpose We determined the frequency with which cost-effectiveness is considered in sample size calculations and whether RCT-based economic evaluations are likely to come to inconclusive results at odds with the clinical findings. Methods We searched the National Health Service Economic Evaluation Database (NHS EED) to identify RCT-based cost-utility analyses. RCTs that collected individual patient data on costs and quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) were eligible. Studies using models to extrapolate the results of RCTs or with insufficient information on incremental costs and QALYs were excluded. Results In total, 38 trials met eligibility criteria. Only one considered cost-effectiveness in sample size calculations. RCTs were less likely to reach definitive conclusions based on the cost-effectiveness results than the primary clinical outcome (15.8% vs. 42.1%; McNemar; p = 0.01). In trials that provided sufficient data, exploratory analysis indicated that the median power to detect important differences was 29.5% for QALYs, 94.1% for costs, and 78.7% for the primary clinical outcome. In three trials (7.9%), a definitely more effective intervention was found to be expensive and probably not cost-effective. Limitations Our results reflect trials where authors considered within-trial estimates of cost-effectiveness to be meaningful. In focusing on one primary clinical outcome from each RCT, we have simplified the clinical effectiveness results, although the primary outcome will usually be one that policy makers use in judging the ‘success’ of the intervention. Conclusions Economic evaluations conducted alongside RCTs are valuable, but often present inconclusive evidence. Trial results may lead to discordant messages when the most effective intervention is probably not the most cost-effective. Despite methodological advances, trialists rarely assessed the extent to which their trial might resolve the key uncertainties about the cost-effectiveness of interventions. We recommend that grant funders should do more to encourage trialists to include economic end points in sample size calculations, particularly when the majority of costs and benefits of the intervention occur within the time frame of the trial.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Lisa Hampson
- Medical and Pharmaceutical Statistics Research Unit, Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Lancaster University, Lancaster, UK
| | - Chris Metcalfe
- School of Social and Community Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
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Kim SY, Lee H, Chae Y, Park HJ, Lee H. A Systematic Review of Cost-Effectiveness Analyses Alongside Randomised Controlled Trials of Acupuncture. Acupunct Med 2012; 30:273-85. [DOI: 10.1136/acupmed-2012-010178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Objective To summarise the evidence on the cost-effectiveness of acupuncture. Methods We identified full economic evaluations such as cost-effectiveness analysis (CEA), cost-utility analysis (CUA) and cost-benefit analysis (CBA) alongside randomised controlled trials (RCTs) that assessed the consequences and costs of acupuncture for any medical condition. Eleven electronic databases were searched up to March 2011 without language restrictions. Eligible RCTs were assessed using the Cochrane criteria for risk of bias and a modified version of the checklist for economic evaluation. The general characteristics and the results of each economic analysis such as incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs) were extracted. Results Of 17 included studies, nine were CUAs that measured quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) and eight were CEAs that assessed effectiveness of acupuncture based on improvements in clinical symptoms. All CUAs showed that acupuncture with or without usual care was cost-effective compared with waiting list control or usual care alone, with ICERs ranging from ¢3011/QALY (dysmenorrhoea) to ¢22 298/QALY (allergic rhinitis) in German studies, and from £3855/QALY (osteoarthritis) to £9951/QALY (headache) in UK studies. In the CEAs, acupuncture was beneficial at a relatively low cost in six European and Asian studies. All CUAs were well-designed with a low risk of bias, but this was not the case for CEAs. Conclusions Overall, this review demonstrates the cost-effectiveness of acupuncture. Despite such promising results, any generalisation of these results needs to be made with caution given the diversity of diseases and the different status of acupuncture in the various countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Song-Yi Kim
- STAR (Studies of Translational Acupuncture Research), Acupuncture and Meridian Science Research Center (AMSRC), College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyangsook Lee
- STAR (Studies of Translational Acupuncture Research), Acupuncture and Meridian Science Research Center (AMSRC), College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Younbyoung Chae
- STAR (Studies of Translational Acupuncture Research), Acupuncture and Meridian Science Research Center (AMSRC), College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Meridian and Acupoint, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hi-Joon Park
- STAR (Studies of Translational Acupuncture Research), Acupuncture and Meridian Science Research Center (AMSRC), College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Meridian and Acupoint, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Carolina Asia Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Hyejung Lee
- STAR (Studies of Translational Acupuncture Research), Acupuncture and Meridian Science Research Center (AMSRC), College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Meridian and Acupoint, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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Vickers AJ, Cronin AM, Maschino AC, Lewith G, MacPherson H, Foster NE, Sherman KJ, Witt CM, Linde K. Acupuncture for chronic pain: individual patient data meta-analysis. ARCHIVES OF INTERNAL MEDICINE 2012; 172:1444-53. [PMID: 22965186 PMCID: PMC3658605 DOI: 10.1001/archinternmed.2012.3654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 681] [Impact Index Per Article: 56.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although acupuncture is widely used for chronic pain, there remains considerable controversy as to its value. We aimed to determine the effect size of acupuncture for 4 chronic pain conditions: back and neck pain, osteoarthritis, chronic headache, and shoulder pain. METHODS We conducted a systematic review to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of acupuncture for chronic pain in which allocation concealment was determined unambiguously to be adequate. Individual patient data meta-analyses were conducted using data from 29 of 31 eligible RCTs, with a total of 17 922 patients analyzed. RESULTS In the primary analysis, including all eligible RCTs, acupuncture was superior to both sham and no-acupuncture control for each pain condition (P < .001 for all comparisons). After exclusion of an outlying set of RCTs that strongly favored acupuncture, the effect sizes were similar across pain conditions. Patients receiving acupuncture had less pain, with scores that were 0.23 (95% CI, 0.13-0.33), 0.16 (95% CI, 0.07-0.25), and 0.15 (95% CI, 0.07-0.24) SDs lower than sham controls for back and neck pain, osteoarthritis, and chronic headache, respectively; the effect sizes in comparison to no-acupuncture controls were 0.55 (95% CI, 0.51-0.58), 0.57 (95% CI, 0.50-0.64), and 0.42 (95% CI, 0.37-0.46) SDs. These results were robust to a variety of sensitivity analyses, including those related to publication bias. CONCLUSIONS Acupuncture is effective for the treatment of chronic pain and is therefore a reasonable referral option. Significant differences between true and sham acupuncture indicate that acupuncture is more than a placebo. However, these differences are relatively modest, suggesting that factors in addition to the specific effects of needling are important contributors to the therapeutic effects of acupuncture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew J Vickers
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA.
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Ambrósio E, Bloor K, MacPherson H. Costs and consequences of acupuncture as a treatment for chronic pain: A systematic review of economic evaluations conducted alongside randomised controlled trials. Complement Ther Med 2012; 20:364-74. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ctim.2012.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2011] [Revised: 04/27/2012] [Accepted: 05/09/2012] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
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Zhang F, Kong LL, Zhang YY, Li SC. Evaluation of impact on health-related quality of life and cost effectiveness of Traditional Chinese Medicine: a systematic review of randomized clinical trials. J Altern Complement Med 2012; 18:1108-20. [PMID: 22924383 DOI: 10.1089/acm.2011.0315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), an important part of health care in China and with increased popularity worldwide, has received extensive attention from governments at all levels. With the current emphasis on clinical efficacy and cost-effectiveness, TCM, as indeed do all other treatments, requires rigorous evidence to be considered in reimbursement decision-making. Nevertheless, despite the fact that TCM treatment has always been considered to possess the advantage of improving the health-related quality of life (HRQOL) of patients, there is a lack of systematic study about available evidence to assess the impact of TCM treatments on HRQOL of patients. OBJECTIVES The current study aimed to perform a review of available literature to evaluate whether sufficient evidence existed to allow an assessment of the impact on HRQOL and cost effectiveness of TCM treatments. This information would support a recommendation for wider use of TCM in the clinical setting as well as its consideration for reimbursement. METHODS A structured search was performed using data sources including MEDLINE,(®) Cumulative Index for Allied Health and Nursing (CINAHL), PubMed, Cochrane database, EBSCO, SciSearch, Embase, and Google Scholar from 2000 to 2010. The search was supplemented with manual search after relevant articles were retrieved. RESULTS After culling, a total 31 articles covering a range of TCM therapies applied to a variety of conditions were retrieved. The measurement tools used in these studies to assess impact in patient's HRQOL were mainly SF-36-based scales, but the results of HRQOL/patient preference studies were inconsistent and inconclusive. Of the 10 articles of cost-effectiveness evaluation of TCM treatments, the majority reported that TCM treatments resulted in better outcomes at a higher cost, but the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio was below the usually recommended thresholds. The overall results showed acupuncture and t'ai chi to be the most studied TCM-related therapies. CONCLUSIONS The current review showed that there is a relative lack of cost-effectiveness research in TCM. For those few empirical research available, the major emphasis is for acupuncture or t'ai chi showing the acceptance of these branches of TCM that are better understood by the scientific community. The current results also showed the need for studies with better designs and longer duration to ascertain the actual impact of TCM on patients' HRQOL as well as a need for a generic HRQOL instrument that is specific for TCM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang Zhang
- College of Business Administration, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
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Fixler M, Ogden C, Moir F, Polley MJ. Patient experience of acupuncture provision in a GP practice. Complement Ther Clin Pract 2012; 18:140-4. [PMID: 22789787 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctcp.2012.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2012] [Revised: 03/14/2012] [Accepted: 03/14/2012] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Patient experience of acupuncture at a GP surgery was evaluated over 18 months. Patients were referred for six acupuncture treatments of 45 min by 10 practising GPs. Measure Your Medical Outcome Profile (MYMOP), was completed before the first treatment and at the start of the final consultation. A patient experience survey was completed immediately after the patient's last appointment. RESULTS A statistically and clinically significant improvement in the mean MYMOP profile score (1.6 SD 1.3, p < 0.0000) (n = 47); reduction in medication usage; a reduction in pain and stress and improved quality of life. CONCLUSIONS Acupuncture provision was beneficial to patients with predominately chronic conditions. Further studies are needed to assess the cost effectiveness and long term benefit of acupuncture in the NHS.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Fixler
- Highgate Acupuncture Practice, 82 Priory Gardens, London N6 5QS, UK
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Deng ZQ, Zheng H, Zhao L, Zhou SY, Li Y, Liang FR. Health economic evaluation of acupuncture along meridians for treating migraine in China: results from a randomized controlled trial. BMC COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2012; 12:75. [PMID: 22697367 PMCID: PMC3479065 DOI: 10.1186/1472-6882-12-75] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2012] [Accepted: 05/30/2012] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Background To evaluate different types of acupuncture treatment for migraine in China from the perspective of health economics, particularly the comparison between treatment of specific acupoints in Shaoyang meridians and penetrating sham acupoints treatment. Methods Data were obtained from a multicenter, randomized controlled trial of acupuncture treatment in patients with migraine. Four-hundred eighty migraineurs were randomly assigned to 3 arms of treatment with genuine acupoints and 1 arm of penetrating sham acupoints. The primary outcome measurement was the cost-effectiveness ratio (C/E), expressed as cost per 1 day reduction of headache days from baseline to week 16. Cost-comparison analyses, differences in the migraine-specific quality of life questionnaire (MSQ), and the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio were taken as secondary outcome measurements. In addition, a sensitivity analysis was conducted. Results The total cost per patient was ¥1273.2 (95% CI 1171.3-1375.1) in the Shaoyang specific group, ¥1427.7 (95% CI 1311.8-1543.6) in the Shaoyang non-specific group, ¥1490.8 (95% CI 1327.1-1654.6) in the Yangming specific group, and ¥1470.1 (95% CI 1358.8-1581.3) in the sham acupuncture group. The reduced days with migraine were 3.972 ± 2.7, 3.555 ± 2.8, 3.793 ± 3.6, and 2.155 ± 3.7 in these 4 groups (P < 0.05 for each genuine acupoints group vs the sham group), respectively, at week 16. The C/Es of the 4 groups were 320.5, 401.6, 393.1, and 682.2, respectively. Results of the sensitivity analysis were consistent with that of the cost-effectiveness analysis. The Shaoyang specific group significantly improved in all 3 MSQ domains compared with the sham acupuncture group. Conclusions Treatment of specific acupoints in Shaoyang meridians is more cost-effective than that of non-acupoints, representing a dramatic improvement in the quality of life of people with migraine and a significant reduction in cost. Compared with the other 3 groups, Shaoyang-specific acupuncture is a relatively cost-effective treatment for migraine prophylaxis in China. Trial registration Clinical Trials.gov NCT00599586
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Health-care sector and complementary medicine: practitioners' experiences of delivering acupuncture in the public and private sectors. Prim Health Care Res Dev 2012; 13:269-78. [PMID: 22317950 DOI: 10.1017/s1463423612000035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM The aim was to identify similarities and differences between private practice and the National Health Service (NHS) in practitioners' experiences of delivering acupuncture to treat pain. We wished to identify differences that could affect patients' experiences and inform our understanding of how trials conducted in private clinics relate to NHS clinical practice. BACKGROUND Acupuncture is commonly used in primary care for lower back pain and is recommended in the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence's guidelines. Previous studies have identified differences in patients' accounts of receiving acupuncture in the NHS and in the private sector. The major recent UK trial of acupuncture for back pain was conducted in the private sector. METHODS Semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted with 16 acupuncturists who had experience of working in the private sector (n = 7), in the NHS (n =3), and in both the sectors (n = 6). The interviews lasted between 24 and 77 min (median=49 min) and explored acupuncturists' experiences of treating patients in pain. Inductive thematic analysis was used to identify similarities and differences across private practice and the NHS. FINDINGS The perceived effectiveness of acupuncture was described consistently and participants felt they did (or would) deliver acupuncture similarly in NHS and in private practice. In both the sectors, patients sought acupuncture as a last resort and acupuncturist-patient relationships were deemed important. Acupuncture availability differed across sectors: in the NHS it was constrained by Trust policies and in the private sector by patients' financial resources. There were greater opportunities for autonomous practice in the private sector and regulation was important for different reasons in each sector. In general, NHS practitioners had Western-focussed training and also used conventional medical techniques, whereas private practitioners were more likely to have Traditional Chinese training and to practise other complementary therapies in addition to acupuncture. Future studies should examine the impact of these differences on patients' clinical outcomes.
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Veroff DR, Sullivan LA, Shoptaw E, Venator B, Ochoa-Arvelo T, Baxter JR, Manocchia M, Wennberg D. Improving Self-Care for Heart Failure for Seniors: The Impact of Video and Written Education and Decision Aids. Popul Health Manag 2012; 15:37-45. [DOI: 10.1089/pop.2011.0019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - E.J. Shoptaw
- Formerly Health Dialog, Boston, MA; currently independent statistician consultant
| | | | | | | | - Michael Manocchia
- Formerly Health Dialog, Boston, MA; currently CIGNA, Bloomfield, Connecticut
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Herman PM, Poindexter BL, Witt CM, Eisenberg DM. Are complementary therapies and integrative care cost-effective? A systematic review of economic evaluations. BMJ Open 2012; 2:bmjopen-2012-001046. [PMID: 22945962 PMCID: PMC3437424 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2012-001046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE A comprehensive systematic review of economic evaluations of complementary and integrative medicine (CIM) to establish the value of these therapies to health reform efforts. DATA SOURCES PubMed, CINAHL, AMED, PsychInfo, Web of Science and EMBASE were searched from inception through 2010. In addition, bibliographies of found articles and reviews were searched, and key researchers were contacted. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR SELECTING STUDIES Studies of CIM were identified using criteria based on those of the Cochrane complementary and alternative medicine group. All studies of CIM reporting economic outcomes were included. STUDY APPRAISAL METHODS: All recent (and likely most cost-relevant) full economic evaluations published 2001-2010 were subjected to several measures of quality. Detailed results of higher-quality studies are reported. RESULTS A total of 338 economic evaluations of CIM were identified, of which 204, covering a wide variety of CIM for different populations, were published 2001-2010. A total of 114 of these were full economic evaluations. And 90% of these articles covered studies of single CIM therapies and only one compared usual care to usual care plus access to multiple licensed CIM practitioners. Of the recent full evaluations, 31 (27%) met five study-quality criteria, and 22 of these also met the minimum criterion for study transferability ('generalisability'). Of the 56 comparisons made in the higher-quality studies, 16 (29%) show a health improvement with cost savings for the CIM therapy versus usual care. Study quality of the cost-utility analyses (CUAs) of CIM was generally comparable to that seen in CUAs across all medicine according to several measures, and the quality of the cost-saving studies was slightly, but not significantly, lower than those showing cost increases (85% vs 88%, p=0.460). CONCLUSIONS This comprehensive review identified many CIM economic evaluations missed by previous reviews and emerging evidence of cost-effectiveness and possible cost savings in at least a few clinical populations. Recommendations are made for future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia M Herman
- Center for Health Outcomes and PharmacoEconomic Research, College of Pharmacy, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA
| | - Beth L Poindexter
- Zuckerman College of Public Health, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA
| | - Claudia M Witt
- Institute for Social Medicine, Epidemiology and Health Economics, Charite’ University Medical Center, Berlin, Germany
- Center for Integrative Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - David M Eisenberg
- Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Samueli Institute, Alexandria, Virginia, USA
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Michelfelder AJ. Acupuncture for Headache. Integr Med (Encinitas) 2012. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-1-4377-1793-8.00091-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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Pirie ZM, Fox NJ, Mathers NJ. Delivering shiatsu in a primary care setting: benefits and challenges. Complement Ther Clin Pract 2011; 18:37-42. [PMID: 22196572 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctcp.2011.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2011] [Revised: 07/07/2011] [Accepted: 07/13/2011] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
AIM To pilot the delivery of shiatsu in primary care and investigate the non-clinical impact on the general practice, its patients and staff. DESIGN Ten patients, referred by four GPs, were each offered six shiatsu treatments with a qualified practitioner. SETTING An inner-city general practice in Sheffield, England. METHODS 36 semi-structured interviews, evaluated with Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis and practitioner research including a reflective journal. FINDINGS GPs welcomed having more options of care, especially for patients with complex, chronic symptoms, and patients appreciated the increased time and holistic, patient-centred approach during shiatsu consultations. Participants claimed the clinic increased equality of access to complementary medicine, improved perceptions of the general practice, reduced consultation and prescription rates, enhanced GP-patient relationships and the working practices of the GPs and shiatsu practitioner. CONCLUSION The study successfully integrated a shiatsu clinic into a general practice and offers a model for future research on complementary medicine in primary care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zoë M Pirie
- Academic Unit of Primary Medical Care, University of Sheffield, Samuel Fox House, Northern General Hospital, Herries Road, Sheffield S5 7AU, UK.
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Health economic evaluation in complementary medicine. Complement Ther Med 2011; 19:289-302. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ctim.2011.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2010] [Revised: 08/12/2011] [Accepted: 09/12/2011] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
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Acupuncture for 'frequent attenders' with medically unexplained symptoms: a randomised controlled trial (CACTUS study). Br J Gen Pract 2011; 61:e295-305. [PMID: 21801508 DOI: 10.3399/bjgp11x572689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Medically unexplained physical symptoms (MUPS) are common and difficult to treat. AIM To investigate the effectiveness of adding five-element acupuncture to usual care in 'frequent attenders' with MUPS. DESIGN AND SETTING Randomised controlled trial in four London general practices. METHOD Participants were 80 adults with MUPS, consulting GPs ≥8 times/year. The intervention was individualised five-element acupuncture, ≥12 sessions, immediately (acupuncture group) and after 26 weeks (control group). The primary outcome was 26-week Measure Yourself Medical Outcome Profile (MYMOP); secondary outcomes were wellbeing (W-BQ12), EQ-5D, and GP consultation rate. Intention-to-treat analysis was used, adjusting for baseline outcomes. RESULTS Participants (80% female, mean age 50 years, mixed ethnicity) had high health-resource use. Problems were 59% musculoskeletal; 65% >1 year duration. The 26-week questionnaire response rate was 89%. Compared to baseline, the mean 26-week MYMOP improved by 1.0 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.4 to 1.5) in the acupuncture group and 0.6 (95% CI = 0.3 to 0.9) in the control group (adjusted mean difference: acupuncture versus control -0.6 [95% CI = -1.1 to 0] P = 0.05). Other between-group adjusted mean differences were: W-BQ12 4.4 (95% CI = 1.6 to 7.2) P = 0.002; EQ-5D index 0.03 (95% CI = -0.11 to 0.16) P = 0.70; consultation rate ratio 0.90 (95% CI = 0.70 to 1.15) P = 0.4; and number of medications 0.56 (95% CI = 0.47 to 1.6) P = 0.28. All differences favoured the acupuncture group. Imputation for missing values reduced the MYMOP adjusted mean difference to -0.4 (95% CI = -0.9 to 0.1) P = 0.12. Improvements in MYMOP and W-BQ12 were maintained at 52 weeks. CONCLUSION The addition of 12 sessions of five-element acupuncture to usual care resulted in improved health status and wellbeing that was sustained for 12 months.
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