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Integrating Acupuncture into a Dialysis Center
Marta Correia de Carvalho1, Pedro Azevedo2, Carlos Pires3
1ICBAS-School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal.
Healthcare (Basel, Switzerland)
|May 27, 2023
Summary
Acupuncture integration in dialysis centers is feasible and well-accepted by patients and healthcare professionals. This study found high adherence and positive attitudes, suggesting a viable complementary therapy for kidney failure patients undergoing hemodialysis.
Area of Science:
- Integrative Medicine
- Nephrology
- Complementary and Alternative Medicine
Background:
- Growing interest in integrating Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Conventional Medicine (CM) for comprehensive healthcare.
- Scientific evidence supports acupuncture as an integrative treatment for various health conditions.
- Need to assess acupuncture's acceptance and feasibility in a dialysis setting.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate patient and healthcare professional acceptance of acupuncture integration in a dialysis center.
- To assess the feasibility, safety, and effectiveness of acupuncture for patients undergoing hemodialysis (HD).
Main Methods:
- Patient-assessor-blinded randomized controlled trial involving 48 patients on maintenance HD.
- Measured acceptance via treatment adherence and patient/professional questionnaires (pre- and post-intervention).
- Assessed feasibility through safety (adverse events) and effectiveness (functional capacity, muscle strength, quality of life).
Main Results:
- High adherence: 93.8% of patients completed treatment, with only 6.2% lost to follow-up.
- No adverse events reported, indicating high safety.
- Favorable attitudes from patients and healthcare professionals regarding acupuncture's use, comfort, and integration.
Conclusions:
- Acupuncture integration into dialysis centers appears viable and is well-accepted by patients with kidney failure on maintenance HD.
- The study supports acupuncture as a potentially beneficial complementary therapy in nephrology care.
- Positive patient and healthcare professional feedback highlights the potential for successful implementation.
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