Acupuncture Research: Strategies for Establishing an Evidence BaseHugh MacPherson, Richard Hammerschlag, George Thomas Lewith, Rosa N. Schnyer This is the first book to set out a full range of research strategies for evaluating the clinical practice of acupuncture. Leading acupuncturists and researchers with international reputations share their expertise. They illustrate their descriptions with practical examples of what has worked and what has not. It outlines many of the key challenges in the field. These challenges relate to the nature of acupuncture and the gap between current research evidence and the actual experiences of acupuncturists in the field. By focusing the chapters on key research questions, rather than methods, the book has a user-friendly feel. Each chapter is easily accessible with brief explanations of research designs as well as vignettes of relevant past research. The book is based on a deep understanding of acupuncture, with its inherent complexity in practice, whether based on traditional principles or more modern concepts. By incorporating a more sophisticated understanding of the field, this book details a range of strategies aiming to develop the evidence base with the utmost rigour. It is the first book on acupuncture research to take this unique view, integrating the very best of evidence-based medicine with a genuine sensitivity to the discipline of acupuncture, from its traditional and holistic roots to its more modern interpretations. |
Contents
acupuncture and the emerging | 1 |
the story so far | 15 |
Patient patterns of use and experience | 37 |
The safety of acupuncture | 57 |
Measuring patientcentred outcomes | 77 |
studies without | 95 |
Comparing treatment effects of acupuncture | 111 |
Investigating the components of acupuncture | 133 |
Acupuncture practice as the foundation | 153 |
the role of systematic | 199 |
Engaging acupuncturists in research some | 219 |
Future strategies for acupuncture research | 239 |
Common terms and phrases
active acupunc acupuncture points acupuncture research acupuncture treatment acupuncturists addition adverse events Alternative and Complementary alternative medicine approach appropriate asked aspects assessment associated better Birch challenges changes chapter Chinese medicine chronic clinical trials compared Complementary Medicine complex components conducted considered context controlled controlled trial conventional described diagnosis effects efficacy et al evaluating evidence example expected experience explore findings healthcare identify important improve increased integrated interest intervention involved Journal Journal of Alternative MacPherson mean measure mechanisms methods needling observation outcome pain participants particular patients perspective placebo potential practice practitioners problem protocol questionnaires questions randomised received relevant reports response risk safety schools scientific selection sham specific studies styles survey systematic reviews tested therapeutic therapies tion traditional treat treatment types understanding University usually validity Western White