Research: HOFMANN and COLLEAGUES,

Listed in Issue 271

Abstract

HOFMANN and COLLEAGUES, University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, Eau Claire, WI, Aspirus Wausau Hospital, Wausau, WI conducted a randomized blinded placebo-controlled research study to investigate the effect of acupressure over 24 hours postoperatively for ambulatory surgical patients who are identified as high risk for Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV).

Background

The purpose of this randomized blinded placebo-controlled research study was to investigate the effect of acupressure over 24 hours postoperatively for ambulatory surgical patients who are identified as high risk for PONV.

Methodology

Design: A randomized blinded placebo-controlled study design was implemented.Study enrolment criteria included four of five risk factors as defined in 2006 by American Society of PeriAnesthesia Nurses PONV/post discharge nausea and vomiting guidelines: female, PONV history or motion sickness, non-smoker, and volatile gas general anaesthetic. One hundred ten patients were randomly assigned to an intervention (N = 57) acupressure bead patch or control (N = 53) sham acupressure patch group. Patients rated PONV on scale (0 to 10).

Results

Acupressure use at P6 preoperatively was statistically significant in reducing PONV in all three postoperative phases. One hundred ten patients were enrolled; 93 patients finished the study's three phases and nine were admitted postoperatively.

Conclusion

Acupressure is an effective minimal risk and low-cost adjunctive therapy for prevention and treatment in ambulatory surgical patients at high risk for PONV. Further studies using other acupressure points should be conducted.

References

Hofmann D, Murray C, Beck J, Homann R., Acupressure in Management of Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting in High-Risk Ambulatory Surgical Patients. J Perianesth Nurs. 32(4):271-278. Aug 2017. doi: 10.1016/j.jopan.2015.09.010. Epub Sep 1.2016.

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