Receiving acupuncture for chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy: A nested qualitative study

Abstract

Therapies such as acupuncture are being increasingly used as an integrative treatment for chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN). This study aimed to explore the experience of participating in a clinical study of acupuncture for CIPN. This qualitative study was nested within a trial (n = 120) with participants randomised to 10 sessions of acupuncture or the control group wait list for acupuncture posttrial. Participants (n = 23) volunteered to be interviewed either by telephone (n = 20) or face-to-face (3). The audiotapes were transcribed verbatim and analysed using a thematic approach. Analysis of qualitative data identified 4 key themes: 1. Information, motivation, and allocation – participants expressed positive expectations and hoped that acupuncture would improve symptoms of CIPN. 2. Acupuncture experiences – participants reported beneficial effects of acupuncture on their CIPN symptoms and quality of life. 3. Trial experience and procedures – some participants disclosed some difficulty in completing the trial but also felt their CIPN was being taken seriously. 4. Suggestions for improving the study – recommendations were made for future studies about recruitment and the questionnaires. Participants in the treatment arm were largely delighted and many experienced benefits, including effects on other symptoms. There were some non-responders in those interviewed, but most valued the experience of taking part. The findings from this nested study would be useful to refine procedures and protocols in any future large multisite trial. Trial No. NCT02275403 on Clinicaltrials.gov