Klein, J., & Griffiths, P. (2004). Acupressure for nausea and vomiting in cancer patients receiving chemotherapy. British Journal of Community Nursing, 9, 383-387.
Search Strategy
Databases searched were MEDLINE, Embase, AMED, the Cochrane Database, Cancerlit, and CINAHL.
Search keywords were adult patients receiving chemotherapy, with nausea and vomiting duration or intensity measured as outcomes.
Literature Evaluated
Two randomized controlled trials were identified involving 482 patients. The studies compared acupressure to no intervention control. However, the second study did not meet inclusion criteria, as transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) of antiemetic point was used.
Nursing Implications
Results suggested that acupressure may decrease nausea in patients receiving chemotherapy, but further work is required before conclusively advising patients on the efficacy of acupressure in preventing and treating chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV).