Lemon, M

Background: The evidence for acupuncture in a range of palliative symptoms is growing. Palliative patients are increasingly interested in non-pharmacological therapies to improve unpleasant symptoms

1. Acupuncture offers relief from

both physical and psychological symptoms often experienced in this patient group. Acupuncture was introduced to Wirral Hospice St John’s as a non-pharmacological option for both inpatients and outpatients in 2018. Aim of the project: To monitor the effects of acupuncture on a range of palliative symptoms using visual analogue scales (VAS), patient satisfaction surveys and verbal feedback. Methods: Patients who may benefit from acupuncture for a variety of symptoms were identified by the multidisciplinary team. Acupuncture points were selected by an AACP-trained physiotherapist following full assessment, health screen and written informed consent. Symptoms were monitored using VAS and feedback forms prior to each session of acupuncture with each patient.

Results: August 2018-August 2019: 36 patients were offered acupuncture for their symptoms. 80% of those identified were consented to

treatment. Reasons for not being offered treatment included

health screen fail and patient declined the intervention.

IP:OP ratio = 16:13 The graph shows the improvement in VAS scores

across the five most commonly treated symptoms. 75% gave positive verbal feedback about their

experience of acupuncture – the remaining 25% either felt no benefit (no better/no worse), or their condition deteriorated and were unable to provide feedback.

There was a strong qualitative finding from

satisfaction surveys and verbal feedback that acupuncture had significant benefits to patients’ emotional and psychological well being.

“Calming – my mind goes

completely empty during sessions

and my worries go away.”

“Ongoing relaxation and feel good factor.”

“It made my breathlessness less.”

www.wirralhospice.org | Registered Charity No. 510643

“Comfortable and relaxed during

sessions, treatment had a positive effect

both during and afterwards.”

“Treatment was very relaxing and

therapeutic and ongoing with the use

of acupressure points.”

“Feeling better than

I have for a long time.”

"Relaxed during treatment

and afterwards.”

Conclusion: Acupuncture has proved to be a popular, safe and enjoyable adjunct to therapy intervention for patients with no adverse reactions or side effects of treatment. Early results have shown quantitative improvements in VAS across a range of symptoms as well as qualitative positive results for the use of acupuncture in patients’ emotional and psychological wellbeing. Future directions: We hope to investigate further the benefit to emotional and psychological wellbeing and to increase the use of acupressure to allow continuation of treatment between sessions.

References:

1. O’Regan D, Filshie J 2010. Acupuncture and Cancer. Autonomic Neuroscience 157, 96-100.