Suppression of Experimental Pain by Auriculopressure

The development of an instructional video for the teaching of acupressure for pain management in acute musculoskeletal injuries: A knowledge translation study

OBJECTIVES

To survey potential stakeholders to obtain information relevant to the production of a video on teaching acupressure for sports injury management, and gain feedback from potential users on the prototype video.

DESIGN

Focus groups and online survey methods nested within a knowledge translation framework.

PARTICIPANTS

Four focus groups (n = 24) were conducted, two with sports medics and two with sports physiotherapists as a part of the development of a prototype video. Nineteen stakeholders viewed the prototype video and participated in the subsequent online survey.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Focus groups' transcripts were analysed to develop themes using a general inductive approach. Survey data analysis incorporated quantitative and qualitative analysis.

RESULTS

Three key themes concerning the design of the video emerged from the focus groups: 1) the recommendation for both demonstration and verbal instructions on the acupressure technique; 2) keeping the content of the video to a minimum; and 3) the need for professionalism in the production of the video, and highlighting the presenter's expertise and qualifications. The survey participants found the video to be clear and professional.

CONCLUSIONS

Collectively these studies described the development and assessment of a user-oriented instructional video on teaching of acupressure for the management of sports injuries.

Complementary and alternative therapies: what is their place in the management of chronic pain?

Nurses have used complementary therapies for many years to relieve anxiety, promote comfort, and reduce or alleviate pain. The therapies described in this article are examples of the many therapies available for nurses to consider when planning care for patients with chronic pain. The increasing body of scientific knowledge is providing more guidance about the efficacy of specific therapies. As with all interventions, ongoing evaluation about the effectiveness of a therapy for each patient is an important component of quality nursing care. Complementary therapies provide an avenue for nurses to be autonomous in furthering the relief of chronic pain, as many of these therapies fall within the domain of nursing. Incorporating selected therapies into the plan of care provides multiple opportunities for nurses to demonstrate caring, a premier characteristic of nursing. A number of the complementary therapies, such as journaling, hand massage, and imagery, can be taught to patients and their families, thus promoting self-care. Anecdotal evidence and findings from numerous smaller studies provide some support for the use of many complementary therapies to manage chronic pain or their use as adjuncts in the treatment regimen. Still, the nurse must weigh the risks and benefits before suggesting a therapy to a patient. Evaluating the effectiveness of the complementary therapy to promote comfort in patients with chronic pain is essential. Obtaining this information is not only critical to the care of a particular patient, but these data will assist nurses in learning more about specific therapies. Most importantly, nurses need to pursue research to further the scientific basis for many of the complementary therapies.