Donald, G.K., Tobin, I., & Stringer, J. (2011). Evaluation of acupuncture in the management of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy. Acupuncture in Medicine, 29, 230–233.

The aim of the study is to explore the potential effectiveness of acupuncture in the treatment of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy.

Once a patient's clinical condition had been assessed as suitable for acupuncture, he or she was initially offered a course of six weekly treatments. Patient suitability to receive acupuncture was assessed prior to each session. All acupuncturists were qualified nurses trained in the Western medical approach (WMA) and needles remained in situ for 30–45 minutes. Acupuncturists selected points to be used based on patient presentation at each session. Treatments took place either in an outpatient clinic, chemotherapy day case ward, or a drop-in clinic based in a physiotherapy gym. An evaluation form was completed by the therapist prior to the first session and on completion of the final (sixth) session. A different member of the team completed this final evaluation to minimize bias.

• A total of 17 participants were enrolled.
• The mean age was 51.83 years (SD = 12.97), and women (53%) slightly outnumbered men (47%).
• Key disease characteristics of the participants include a variety of solid tumors and hematologic malignancies.
• Another key characteristic is peripheral neuropathy refractory to standard care.

The study was conducted in a single-site outpatient setting at an acute cancer care hospital in northwest England.

Phase of care

• Active treatment
• Transitions

Applications

• Late effects or survivorship

The study was a retrospective service evaluation.

• No validated instruments were used. Instead, patients were asked to categorize their symptoms  as improved, unchanged, aggravated, increased, or other.
• Additional benefits were recorded, including relaxation, reduced stress, better sleep, improved mood, less medication, and other.   

Patients reported improved neuropathy symptoms following acupuncture.

• The study was a published QA project plagued with risks to validity, including the possibility of social response bias.
• Other limitations include a small sample size, a retrospective design, and a lack of validated instruments.

No implications for nursing can be made from this study.