Selecting acupuncture treatment for hot flashes: a Delphi consensus compared with a clinical trial
Terje Alraek1, Einar Borud, Adrian White
1The National Research Center in Complementary and Alternative Medicine, University of Tromsø, Tromsø, Norway. terje.alrak@.uit.no
Summary
Expert acupuncturists reached consensus on traditional Chinese medicine syndromes and treatments for menopausal hot flashes. However, the ACUFLASH trial used different acupuncture points, highlighting variations in practice.
Area of Science:
- Integrative Medicine
- Traditional Chinese Medicine
- Menopause Research
Background:
- Developing a standardized treatment protocol for traditional Chinese acupuncture in the ACUFLASH trial for menopausal hot flashes was necessary.
- A consensus process involving expert practitioners was initiated to inform the trial protocol.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report on the expert consensus process for traditional Chinese acupuncture treatment of menopausal hot flashes.
- To compare the syndromes and treatments derived from expert consensus with those utilized in the ACUFLASH clinical trial.
Main Methods:
- An e-mail Delphi process involving 10 acupuncture experts was conducted.
- Experts identified prevalent syndromes for menopausal hot flashes, diagnostic symptoms, and acupuncture points for treatment.
Main Results:
- Consensus was reached among 8 out of 10 experts on eight syndromes, associated symptoms, and acupuncture points after six rounds.
- The ACUFLASH trial employed five syndromes, with four aligning with the consensus. Acupuncture point overlap between the consensus and trial was 28%.
Conclusions:
- International acupuncture experts achieved consensus on the diagnosis and treatment of menopausal hot flashes.
- Syndromes used in the ACUFLASH trial largely matched expert consensus, but significant differences in acupuncture points were observed.
- Discrepancies in acupuncture points may stem from differing training school approaches, with clinical relevance yet to be determined.
