RECENT RESEARCH
Acupuncture and TCM
Xiang G , Gao M , Qin H , Shen X , Huang H , Hou X , Feng Z . Benefit-risk assessment of traditional Chinese medicine preparations of sinomenine using multicriteria decision analysis ( MCDA ) for patients with rheumatoid arthritis . BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies . 2023 ; 23 , Article number : 37 .
Objective : A multicriteria decision analysis ( MCDA ) model was used to evaluate the benefits and risks of traditional Chinese medicine preparations of sinomenine alone or in combination with conventional drugs in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis ( RA ) and to provide a basis for the rational clinical application of sinomenine .
Methods : A study search was performed using six major databases , and Review Manager 5.3 was used for data analysis . Then , an MCDA model evaluation system was established for the treatment of RA with sinomenine preparations , and the benefit values , risk values , and total benefit-risk values of sinomenine preparations alone or in combination with conventional drugs were calculated using Hiview 3.2 software . Finally , Monte Carlo simulations were performed using Crystal Ball embedded in Excel software to calculate the 95 % confidence intervals ( 95 % CI ), and the probability of the differences between the 2 drug regimens was determined to optimize the evaluation results .
Results : Forty-four randomized controlled trials ( RCTs ) were included . Quantitative assessment of the MCDA model showed that the sinomenine preparation alone offered less benefits than when combined with conventional drugs with a benefit difference of 20 ( 95 % CI 3.06 , 35.71 ). However , the risk of the combination was significantly lower with a risk difference of 13 ( 95 % CI -10.26 , 27.52 ). The total value of the benefit-risk of sinomenine alone and in combination with conventional drugs was 46 and 53 at 60 % and 40 % of the benefitrisk ratio of the two dosing regimens , respectively , with a difference of 7 ( 95 % CI -4.26 , 22.12 ). The probability that the comprehensive score of the combined regimen is greater than that of sinomenine alone is 90.1 %, and the evaluation was steady .
Conclusion : The benefit-risk of the combined application regimen of sinomenine is greater than that of sinomenine alone .
Pun J , Kong B . An exploratory study of communication training for Chinese medicine practitioners in Hong Kong to integrate patients ’ conventional medical history . BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies . 2023 , 23 , Article number : 10 .
Background : Despite Traditional Chinese medicine ’ s ( TCM ) historical roles in Chinese society , few research has been investigated the nature of TCM practitioner – patient interactions . Improved communication skills among TCM practitioners will result higherquality interactions and better clinical outcomes .
Methods : To investigate the changes in TCM practitioners ’ communication practices after communications training focused on promoting their awareness of integrating a patient ’ s medical history from conventional medicine in TCM treatment , Eight registered Cantonese-speaking TCM practitioners in Hong Kong were randomly recruited from local clinics and randomised into control ( n = 12 ) and experimental groups ( n = 12 ), with a total of 24 consultations . The experimental group was given training focused on patient-centred communication , with an internationally recognised and communication framework validated in global consultation settings ( i . e . the Calgary-Cambridge Guide ) on how to take a patient ’ s medical history from conventional medicine and communicate diagnosis and treatment plans . Consultations before and after training were audio-recorded and rated . The efficacy of the training was evaluated by comparing the two groups before training ( pre-test ), immediately after training ( post-test ) and after a 3-month delay ( delayed post-test ). Using validated scales , the primary outcomes were measured for the practitioners ’ clinical communication skills and the quality of interactions .
Results : The communication training significantly improved the TCM providers ’ patient-centred communication and communication proficiency . The results indicate that the team developed an effective communication model for integrating TCM and conventional medicine in Hong Kong . The framework helps trained TCM practitioners to integrate their patients ’ conventional medical history when delivering patient care . The findings shed light on how interpersonal relationships between TCM practitioners and patients can be constructed after communication training to better care for patients ’ psychological concerns in addition to their physical needs .
Conclusion : Trained TCM practitioners can provide an integrated model that takes patients ’ conventional medical history into account when delivering a holistic patient-centred care . The findings can enhance our understanding of better ways to train the future TCM practitioners and to develop a continuing professional training for the current TCM practitioners to expand our understanding of TCM communication in acute clinical contexts and , thus offer a firm evidencebased foundation upon which to develop communication strategies that improve their clinical practices .
Karpatkin H , Siminovich-Blok B , Rachwani J , Langer Z , Winsor S . Effect of Acupuncture on Sensorimotor Function and Mobility in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis : A Pilot Study Journal of Integrative and Complementary Medicine . 2023 , 29 ( 1 ). https :// doi . org / 10.1089 / jicm . 2022.0610
Introduction : Multiple sclerosis ( MS ) is a progressive disease of the central nervous system that can result in highly variable effects on mobility and sensorimotor function . Persons with MS ( pwMS ) often use complementary and alternative approaches , such as acupuncture , to address these symptoms . However , studies of acupuncture on these symptoms have been hindered by methodologic flaws ,
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