Exploring communication pathways to better health: clinician communication of expectations for acupuncture effectiveness.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

This study tested a pathway whereby acupuncturists' communication of optimism for treatment effectiveness would enhance patients' satisfaction during treatment, which in turn would contribute to better pain and function outcomes for patients with osteoarthritis of the knee.

Methods

Secondary analysis from a 2 arm (real vs. sham acupuncture, high vs. neutral expectations) RCT. 311 patients with knee osteoarthritis received acupuncture over 10-12 sessions. Coders rated the degree to which acupuncturists communicated optimism for the treatment's effectiveness. Satisfaction with acupuncture was assessed 4 weeks into treatment. Pain and function were assessed 6 weeks following treatment.

Results

Patients experiencing better outcomes were more satisfied with acupu

SUBMITTER: Street RL 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3489966 | biostudies-literature | 2012 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature