Korean Journal of Acupuncture

Society for Meridian and Acupoint (경락경혈학회)
권호 표지

Acupuncture Experience in Patients with Chronic Low Back Pain(2): A Qualitative Study - Focused on Participants in Randomized Controlled Trial

만성 요통 환자의 침 치료 경험(2): 질적 연구 - 무작위 대조군 연구 피험자를 대상으로

  • Kim, Song-Yi (Acupuncture and Meridian Science Research Center, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung-Hee University) ;
  • Lee, Kee-Byoung (Dept. of Meridian & Acupoint, College of Oriental Medicine, Sangji University) ;
  • Lee, Hyangsook (Acupuncture and Meridian Science Research Center, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung-Hee University) ;
  • Son, Haeng-Mi (Dept. of Nursing, University of Ulsan) ;
  • Song, Mi-Yeon (Dept. of Oriental Rehabilitation, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University) ;
  • Lee, Hyejung (Acupuncture and Meridian Science Research Center, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung-Hee University) ;
  • Park, Hi-Joon (Acupuncture and Meridian Science Research Center, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung-Hee University)
  • 김송이 (경희대학교 한의과대학 침구경락과학연구센터) ;
  • 이기병 (상지대학교 한의과대학 경혈학교실) ;
  • 이향숙 (경희대학교 한의과대학 침구경락과학연구센터) ;
  • 손행미 (울산대학교 간호학과) ;
  • 송미연 (경희대학교 한의과대학 한방재활의학과) ;
  • 이혜정 (경희대학교 한의과대학 침구경락과학연구센터) ;
  • 박히준 (경희대학교 한의과대학 침구경락과학연구센터)
  • Received : 2012.12.04
  • Accepted : 2012.12.17
  • Published : 2012.12.27
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Abstract

Objectives : To explore the experiences of patients with chronic low back pain(CLBP) in a randomized controlled trial(RCT) of acupuncture. Methods : Five qualitative focus group interviews were conducted at three Korean Medicine Hospitals. Two to 4 participants from the same group(real or sham acupuncture) in the RCT of acupuncture for CLBP discussed their experiences and perceptions of the clinical trial and the acupuncture treatment. Transcribed data were read independently by researchers and analyzed to categorize information and identify themes. Results : A total of 14 participants were included. Most of them discovered positive aspects of being a study subject and a patient. They recognized the differences between experimental and real-world clinical settings such as formal procedures of treatment, and different acupuncture device. Participants also expressed the weaker sensation of acupuncture compared to the previous experience. Especially, they were well aware of the 'subjects' role themselves, thus they observed their changes of symptom closely. As subjects were generally satisfied with their treatment and they had a good feeling to acupuncture after the trial, they expressed their willingness to participate in the future clinical trial of acupuncture. Conclusions : Our finding suggests that the Korean patients' experience of participating in an RCT was generally positive. Their tendency to perform the 'subject' role might affect the trial's process or overall results.

Keywords

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