The feasibility of self-acupuncture for patients with chronic pain
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Exploring the feasibility of a self-acupuncture service for patients with chronic pain in a community setting.
IRAS ID
174607
Contact name
Lynsey McKay
Contact email
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 5 months, 16 days
Research summary
Epidemiological research approximates that up to 20% of the European population suffer with chronic pain (Breivik et al, 2006). It causes significant physical and emotional burden, impacting heavily on quality of life. The NHS plan (DOH, 2000) followed by the National Service Framework for long-term medical conditions (DOH, 2005) and Equity and Excellence (DOH, 2010) all highlight the importance of self care and patient empowerment in long-term condition management. Acupuncture has been advocated by established institutions including NICE (2009) and the NIH (1998) for the treatment of pain. Self acupuncture could be a way of improving cost effectiveness and offering longer term pain control. It also has the capacity to further contribute to patient empowerment. Self acupuncture has been investigated over the last 10 years and it has been shown to be effective for hot flushes, nausea and fatigue in cancer patients. However, there is little known about it’s utility in chronic pain.
The aim of this feasibility study is to implement and evaluate a self acupuncture service within a community pain clinic. Patient safety, pain levels, quality of life, level of pain control and the lived experience will be considered. Study findings may contribute to development of local service delivery and further research.
A total of 6 patients will be included. Participants will be taught the technique of self AP by the researcher. Provided the patient participants are deemed safe to practice they will be provided with necessary equipment. Pain Self Efficacy (PSEQ), Brief Pain Inventory (BPI), Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale (WEMHWS) and level of control will be measured at 2 and 4 weeks. Semi-structured interviews will be completed at 4 weeks to gain insight into the participants experience. Interviews will be transcribed and analysed thematically, and interpreted alongside the quantitative results.
REC name
North West - Liverpool Central Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
15/NW/0418
Date of REC Opinion
19 Jun 2015
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion