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Author Spotlight: Alleviating Nausea and Vomiting in Pregnancy with Safe and Effective Auricular Acupuncture
Published on: August 4, 2023
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Engaging Practitioners in Advancing Research on Acupuncture in Pregnancy
Elizabeth Soliday1, Stefani Mammenga1, Wendy Bradshaw2
11 Department of Human Development, Washington State University Vancouver , Vancouver, WA.
Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine (New York, N.Y.)
|September 9, 2015
Summary
Acupuncture practitioners in the Pacific Northwest shared research strategies to improve pregnancy care studies. They suggested collaborations and tools to bridge the gap between practice and research for better evidence.
Area of Science:
- Integrative Medicine
- Complementary and Alternative Medicine
- Reproductive Health Research
Background:
- Global demand for acupuncture in pregnancy care is high.
- Existing randomized controlled trials show limited benefits, necessitating field research.
- Understanding practitioner perspectives is crucial for advancing acupuncture research in pregnancy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To engage field-based acupuncturists in discussing research strategies for pregnancy concerns.
- To identify practitioner-informed approaches for improving acupuncture research in obstetrics.
Main Methods:
- A live focus group was conducted with specialized acupuncturists in the U.S. Pacific Northwest.
- Content analysis of discussions involved the research team and study participants.
- The study focused on understanding practitioners' views on research and care.
Main Results:
- Practitioners prioritize patient care but see research value for communication.
- Proposed strategies to enhance research include partnerships with professional organizations and social media engagement.
- Practitioners recommended assuring confidentiality and developing brief measurement tools.
Conclusions:
- Acupuncture practitioners value evidence for specific applications and proposed innovative research methods.
- A framework for patient-centered collaboration between research and practice communities is suggested.
- The proposed framework aims to align research with practitioner preferences and scientific goals.
