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Auricular Acupuncture for Symptom Management in Inpatient Palliative Care
Anup Bhushan1, Dan Mazanec2, Jessica Bullington3
1Anup Bhushan, MD , is Assistant Professor, Medical University of South Carolina, College of Medicine, Palliative Care Program.
Summary
Auricular acupuncture significantly improved pain, nausea, dyspnea, and anxiety in palliative care patients. This nonpharmacological approach offers a valuable option for managing complex symptoms in serious illness.
Area of Science:
- Palliative Care
- Integrative Medicine
- Pain Management
Background:
- Palliative care addresses intractable pain and debilitating symptoms.
- Nurses are crucial in managing chronic pain and complex symptoms.
- Limited research exists on auricular acupuncture for acute-on-chronic symptoms in life-limiting illnesses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the impact of auricular acupuncture on pain and symptom management in hospitalized palliative care patients.
- To assess changes in opioid utilization post-intervention.
- To evaluate auricular acupuncture as a nonpharmacological intervention.
Main Methods:
- Observational, nonrandomized, pragmatic study.
- 101 participants in an inpatient palliative care program.
- Intervention delivered by volunteer physicians trained in auricular acupuncture.
Main Results:
- Statistically significant improvement in pain scores.
- Significant reduction in nausea, dyspnea, and anxiety scores.
- Demonstrated potential for reduced opioid utilization.
Conclusions:
- Auricular acupuncture effectively improves pain and related symptoms in patients with serious illness.
- Nurses and providers trained in auricular acupuncture can offer a valuable nonpharmacological intervention.
- Supports the integration of auricular acupuncture into palliative care settings.
