Is Acupuncture Research Reflecting Practice? Do Outcome Measures Adequately Capture What Patients Value in the Process of Treatment?
Item
Title
Is Acupuncture Research Reflecting Practice? Do Outcome Measures Adequately Capture What Patients Value in the Process of Treatment?
Description
EJOM (2013), Shaw, Jackie.
Abstract
Acupuncture patients’ presentation is often complex,longterm and multifaceted. Many have wide expectations of what treatment can offer and value generalised changes in factors such as energy and stress levels, which may not be related to the original presentation. The objectives of this study are to investigate whether research processes and outcome measures used in current acupuncture studies adequately reflect both the treatment process and the factors that patients experience. The data were collected from an observational study at a student acupuncture clinic at the College of Integrated Chinese Medicine (CICM) in Reading, UK. There were 12 clinics, attended by 495 patients, who completed 3 types of questionnaire. The outcome measures were SF-36, CICM, MYMOP, 9-point VAS scale. The majority of responding patients reported major or moderate changes in wellbeing, energy levels, emotions, stress and confidence/self-esteem. Patients could distinguish between the wider factors assessed and their main complaint apart from wellbeing and general health. Most health seekers reported full or major improvement in their main complaint compared to about half of health improvers. Patients’ priorities in treatment change over time; some adjust the focus of their treatment and long-term patients hope for different benefits.
Alternative Title
EJOM
Creator
Date
Date Created
3/5/2015
Language
English
Type
Journal Article
issn
1351-6647
issue
4
volume
7