Jacqui Stringer

Evaluation of acupuncture in the management of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy.

Aim To clinically evaluate the effectiveness of acupuncture when used in the management of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (PN). Background During cancer treatment, certain chemotherapies can cause varying degrees of PN. Patients’ quality of life can be seriously impaired through loss of sensation, pain or mobility problems. Conventional medications routinely used to manage neuropathic symptoms have poor side-effect profiles and there is little or no evidence justifying their use to treat chemotherapy-related neurotoxicities. There are studies suggesting that acupuncture may be an effective therapy in treating PN across a number of different aetiologies. Design A retrospective service evaluation. Method Patients (n=18) were referred for acupuncture by the medical staff and/ornurse specialists or they self-referred for treatment. A course of six weekly acupuncture sessions was offered to them, and their details were recorded on an evaluation form prior to session one. Points were selected by acupuncturists, based on patient presentation, and needles remained in situ for 30–45 min. Treatments took place in outpatient clinics, chemotherapy day case ward or a drop-in clinic based in a physiotherapy gym. The evaluation form was completed at the end of session 6 by a therapist who had not been involved in patient care. Results 82% (n=14) of patients reported an improvement in symptoms following their course of acupuncture; one patient with advanced disease died during the 6 weeks. Some patients derived additional benefits from the treatment including a reduction in analgesic use and improved sleeping patterns. The most common acupoints used were SP6 (n=18), ST36 (n=18) and LV3 (n=14). Conclusion Although these results are encouraging, they are uncontrolled. They suggest that acupuncture could be an option for these patients and controlled trials using validated patient-reported outcome measures are justified.

Complementary therapists’ training and cancer care: A multi-site study

PURPOSE To explore professional experience and training of complementary therapists working within cancer care. METHOD A Questionnaire survey of complementary therapists practising in three cancer care settings in North West England. RESULTS Respondents (n=51; n=47 female; mean age 50 years, range 23-78 years) had varied career backgrounds; 24 were healthcare professionals who also practised as complementary therapists (nurse n=19; physiotherapist n=3; doctor n=2) whilst 27 were complementary therapists with no prior healthcare background. Twenty-eight respondents reported working as therapists within a supportive and palliative care setting for over 6 years. Forty-seven respondents had undertaken healthcare-related continuing professional development in complementary therapies, although only just over half of the sample (n=27) had received cancer-specific training. Cancer-related complementary therapy training related to the adaptation of therapies and comprised predominantly short courses. There was a lack of standardisation in the training received, nor was it clear how many courses were accredited. CONCLUSION Findings highlight the need for standardisation of training for complementary therapy provision in cancer care and statutory review of continuing professional development within this emerging field.

Return to TRI: Winston Churchill Fellow and Salford University Scholar travel to Miami and the Keys

During May and June 2003, the 2 authors visited the internationally renowned Touch Research Institute based at the University of Miami and Jackson Memorial Hospital. For one of the authors, Peter Mackereth, this was a return visit. Both authors are Ph.D. students who have successfully obtained travel scholarships to participate in seminars and laboratory work. The paper will report on the experience of their visit, the current and future work of the TRI and its collaborators. Jacqui took the opportunity to spend time at the Dolphin Research Centre, this provided insight into the therapeutic value of interacting with these amazing mammals. Peter also took the opportunity to visit a group of massage therapists working in Key West.

Learning from dolphins

Dolphins have been shown to have a powerful impact on the wellbeing of humans, how do they do it? This article reflects the thoughts of one person after spending time with these wonderful creatures.