Patients' perceptions on non-specific effects of acupuncture: Qualitative comparison between responders and non-responders.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Non-specific effect of acupuncture constitutes part of the overall effect generated via clinical encounter beyond needle insertion and stimulation. It is unclear how responders and non-responders of acupuncture experience non-specific effects differently. We aimed to compare their experiences in a nested qualitative study embedded in an acupuncture randomized trial on functional dyspepsia.

Methods

Purposive sampling was used to capture experience of responders (n=15) and non-responders (n=15) to acupuncture via individual in-depth interviews. Design and analysis followed a framework analysis approach, with reference to an existing model on acupuncture non-specific effects. Themes emerging outside of this model were purposefully explored.

Results

Responders

SUBMITTER: Ho RST 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8503627 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature