Date
September 2012
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
M.P.H.
Department
Dept. of Public Health and Preventive Medicine
Institution
Oregon Health & Science University
Abstract
Background: Placebo effects such as patient confidence in treatment are suspected to influence patient compliance and treatment outcomes and are especially important to recognize in observational and non placebo-controlled clinical trials. Objectives: This study was undertaken to evaluate patient-reported confidence in acupuncture treatment as a possible factor in patient compliance (i.e. returning for a 5th visit) and change in pain severity. Methods: Confidence was measured with a -2 to 2 scale and pain was measured with a 0 to 10 scale in questionnaires completed by patients at an Oriental medicine teaching clinic. Possible associations in this retrospective non-randomized cohort study were analyzed by logistic and linear regression. Results: Data were obtained on a series of 1213 adult patients seeking acupuncture treatment for joint and muscle pain. At baseline, 874 patients (72%) expressed either a positive or negative opinion in their confidence in the acupuncture treatment. Of
Identifier
doi:10.6083/M49W0CHV
School
School of Medicine
Recommended Citation
Espesete, Deborah E., "Patient confidence in acupuncture : returning for care and pain reduction" (2012). Scholar Archive. 903.
https://digitalcommons.ohsu.edu/etd/903