Effects of acupuncture and acupressure on cancer-related fatigue: a systematic review.
Author: Ling WM1, Lui LY2, So WK3, Chan K1.
Affiliation:
1Department of Clinical Oncology, Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital, Hong Kong, China. 2Department of Medicine, Yan Chai Hospital, Hong Kong, China. 3Nethersole School of Nursing, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
Conference/Journal: Oncol Nurs Forum.
Date published: 2014 Nov 1
Other:
Volume ID: 41 , Issue ID: 6 , Pages: 581-92 , Special Notes: doi: 10.1188/14.ONF.581-592. , Word Count: 125
Abstract
PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES:
To critically examine the evidence for acupuncture and acupressure in the management of cancer-related fatigue (CRF) in adult patients with cancer.
DATA SOURCES:
18 databases were searched for randomized, controlled trials published in English and Chinese through April 2014.
DATA SYNTHESIS:
Given the heterogeneity of data, meta-analysis was not conducted. A six-step thematic analysis method was used to synthesize the results.
CONCLUSIONS:
Although results are inconclusive, acupuncture and acupressure tend to be effective in relieving CRF, with the former producing a greater improvement. Future research is recommended to contribute further evidence.
IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING:
Nurses should know about the relative effectiveness of acupuncture and acupressure in the management of CRF to educate and support their patients.
KEYWORDS:
acupressure; acupuncture; cancer; fatigue; systematic review
PMID: 25355016
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