Acupuncture for 'frequent attenders' with medically unexplained symptoms: a randomised controlled trial (CACTUS...

Area of Science:

• Integrative Medicine
• General Practice
• Acupuncture Research

Background:

• Medically unexplained physical symptoms (MUPS) present a significant challenge in primary care, often leading to high healthcare utilization.
• Frequent attenders in general practice commonly experience MUPS, necessitating effective treatment strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of incorporating five-element acupuncture into standard care for frequent attenders diagnosed with MUPS.
• To assess the impact of acupuncture on symptom burden, wellbeing, and healthcare resource use in this patient group.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled trial was conducted across four London general practices.
• Eighty adults with MUPS, defined as consulting GPs eight or more times annually, were recruited.
• Participants received either immediate individualized five-element acupuncture (minimum 12 sessions) or a delayed intervention, with outcomes assessed over 26 and 52 weeks.

Main Results:

• The acupuncture group showed a statistically significant improvement in the Measure Yourself Medical Outcome Profile (MYMOP) score compared to the control group at 26 weeks (adjusted mean difference -0.6, P=0.05).
• Significant improvements were also observed in wellbeing scores (W-BQ12) favoring the acupuncture group (P=0.002).
• These positive effects on health status and wellbeing were maintained at the 52-week follow-up.

Conclusions:

• The addition of 12 sessions of five-element acupuncture to usual care offers a viable treatment option for patients with MUPS.
• This integrative approach leads to sustained improvements in health status and patient-reported wellbeing.
• Five-element acupuncture demonstrates potential in managing MUPS and reducing healthcare burden in frequent attenders.