The BMEA study: the impact of meridian balanced method electroacupuncture on women with chronic pelvic pain--a three-arm randomised controlled pilot study using a mixed-methods approach
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Date
2015-11-01Author
Chong, Ooi Thye
Critchley, Hilary O. D.
Horne, Andrew W.
Elton, Robert
Haraldsdottir, Erna
Fallon, Marie T.
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Chong, O., Critchley, H., Horne, A., Elton, R., Haraldsdottir, E. & Fallon, M. (2015) The BMEA study: the impact of meridian balanced method electroacupuncture on women with chronic pelvic pain--a three-arm randomised controlled pilot study using a mixed-methods approach, BMJ Open, vol. 5, , ,
Abstract
Introduction: Chronic pelvic pain (CPP) affects 3-4%
of women worldwide. Proven treatments for CPP are
limited and unsatisfactory. The meridian balance
method (BM) electroacupuncture (EA) treatment (BMEA
+ Traditional Chinese Medicine Health Consultation
(TCM HC) may be effective for CPP. Previous EA studies
have demonstrated an analgesic effect. Large-scale
studies on acupuncture for other chronic pain
conditions suggest that patient-healthcare provider
interaction might play a role in pain reduction. We
propose a pilot study to explore the effectiveness of the
meridian BMEA treatment in managing women with
CPP to inform a future large randomised controlled trial.
Methods and analysis: A 3-armed randomised
controlled pilot study is proposed with an aim to recruit
30 women with CPP in National Health Service (NHS)
Lothian. Randomisation will be to BMEA treatment,
TCM HC or standard care (SC). Validated pain, physical
and emotional functioning questionnaires will be
administered to all participants at weeks 0, 4, 8 and 12.
Focus group discussions will be conducted when week
12 questionnaires are completed. The primary objective
is to determine, recruitment and retention rates. The
secondary objectives are to assess the effectiveness and
acceptability of the proposed methods of recruitment,
randomisation, interventions and assessment tools.
Ethics and dissemination: Ethical approval has been
obtained from the Scotland Research Ethics Committee
(REC 14/SS/1022). Data will be published in peer-reviewed
journals and presented at international
conferences. Our Research Report for 2000-2002 reflects an outstanding level of achievement throughout the institution and demonstrates once again our high level of commitment to strategic and applied research particularly in areas that enhance the quality of life.