Suh, E.E. (2012). The effects of P6 acupressure and nurse-provided counseling on chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting in patients with breast cancer. Oncology Nursing Forum, 39(1), E1-9.
To evaluate the effects of pericardium 6 (P6) acupressure and nurse-provided counseling on chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) in patients with breast cancer
Participants were randomized to one of four treatment groups. The control group received sham acupressure on SI3 point—the ulnar side of the metacarpophalangeal joint of the little finger of both hands. The three experimental groups consisted of counseling only, P6 acupressure-only, and P6 acupressure and counseling.
Counseling consisted of a one-hour cognitive behavioral session which included an introduction, cognitive preparation, symptom acceptance, the use of available resources, and question and answer session. Participants were instructed to perform the cognitive-behavioral session daily for 5 days (C2, D 1-5).
The P6 acupressure groups wore Sea-Band® bands on both wrists for 5 days.
All participants completed baseline data then received a booklet of instruments and a daily log. They were asked to check their gastrointestinal (GI) distress level nine different times the evening of the first day of cycle 2 of chemotherapy and then once in the morning and once in the evening of days 2–5. Patients were asked to keep a daily log of the antiemetic medications taken and the overall status of their GI symptoms. The research assistants called each participant once and sent two text messages during the 5-day period to increase adherence.
This study was conducted at a single outpatient setting in Seoul, South Korea.
All patients were in active treatment.
This was a randomized, controlled trial.
Synergic effects of P6 acupressure with nurse-provided counseling appeared to be effective in reducing CINV in patients with breast cancer.
The addition of P6 acupressure and nurse-provided counseling focused on cognitive awareness, affective readiness, symptom acceptance, and the use of available resources both appear to be effective as adjuncts to antiemetic medicine for the control of CINV in patients with breast cancer.